Pak Mun Dam
(Ubon Ratchathani Province)
Background
The Northeastern part of the country has the most important river called “Mun River” which ranks as the second river with the greatest amount of water volume after Chao Phraya River. The National Energy Authority (presently, the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency) and EGAT conducted the survey and studied the potential of utilizing Mun River. Due to the high demand for electricity in the region causing instability of the power system and a risk of blackout, it was necessary to receive additional power supply from the Central and Northern parts including power purchase from Lao PDR. Therefore, “Pak Mun Dam” was planned to be constructed at Baan Hua Haew, Khong Chiam District, Ubon Ratchathani Province.
Pak Mun Dam was designed to be a diversion dam (run-off river) to regulate water in the river to be higher. It is beneficial for irrigation, fishery promotion, and agriculture. EGAT had made the fish ladder so fish from the Mekong River can swim to lay eggs in the Mun River. The Fishery Center was established to be aquaculture for fish breeding and aquatic species conservation for their abundance. The fisher occupation has increased income to villagers.
The construction of Pak Mun Dam began in June 1990 and was completed in November 1994. Benefits from the dam is worthwhile to the public. In addition, it serves as a source of clean energy to help enhance power system security in the Northeast. At present, the power plant has the contracted generating capacity of 136 MW.
Characteristics of the Dam
Compacted concrete
Run-off river (appears like a weir)
Maximum drainage rate:
18,500 m3/second
Crest width:
6 m
Crest length:
300 m
Height:
17 m
Characteristics of the Power Plant
Structure:
Reinforced concrete
136 MW
Approximate annual generated electricity:
280 million kWh
Operated by remote control from Sirindhorn Dam
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