Myanmar's government halts construction of 4,000-MW coal-fired power plant over potential negative environmental impact

Tracy McDonald

YANGON, Myanmar , January 10, 2012 (Associated Press) – Reports say Myanmar's government has decided to halt construction of a large coal-fired power plant linked to a major industrial development.

Minister of Electric Power Ministry Khin Maung Soe told reporters at a briefing Monday that the ministry is halting the 4,000-megawatt plant at the Dawei deep sea port project in southern Myanmar because it could have a negative environmental impact.

The minister's statement was reported by the Eleven Media Group and confirmed by several reporters who attended the briefing, but has not otherwise been announced.

The Dawei project, undertaken by Thailand's Italian-Thai Development construction company, is to be a massive heavy industry zone, and the cancellation of the power plant may hinder its development.

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