Myanmar is preparing to revive the controversial $3.6 billion Myitsone hydropower project in Kachin State, 14 years after construction was suspended following widespread protests.

The China-backed dam is planned at the confluence of the Mali and Nmai rivers, the sources of the Irrawaddy. It could generate up to 6 gigawatts of electricity and create a reservoir roughly the size of Singapore.

Officials in Kachin State say the project could restart soon, following military chief and President Min Aung Hlaing’s recent visit to China. Beijing has strongly backed the project since its suspension in 2011.

The revival comes as Myanmar faces severe power shortages after years of conflict and damage to its electricity infrastructure. However, the project remains deeply controversial.

Local communities and environmental groups fear flooding, displacement and damage to the Irrawaddy river system. Earthquake risks have also raised fresh concerns after Myanmar was hit by a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake in March.

Under the original agreement, about 90% of the electricity was to be exported to China. It remains unclear whether those terms will change if construction resumes.

At least 49 civil society groups recently called for the project to be permanently cancelled, warning of serious environmental and social costs for communities in Kachin State.

BOB Post