Thailand’s state-owned power giant EGAT is reportedly in talks with authorities in neighbouring Myanmar over joint projects to develop hydroelectric capacity on the Salween river.

Talks between the two countries’ energy ministries were held recently on the possible construction of a series of five or six hydroelectric dams on the Salween river which could generate electricity up to 20,000MW.

The proposed Hat Gyi project is expected to be the first such dam with a capacity estimated at 1200MW.

The investment drive is being prompted by the high import costs of oil and gas.