Plizio Visual Lab
Tigyit Coal Power Plant
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
energy
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Tigyit Coal Power Plant is located in Shan State, Myanmar, near the town of Pinlaung, and stands as the largest coal-fired facility in the country. The plant was established to stabilize the power supply in the central region and reduce reliance on seasonally fluctuating hydropower. It utilizes lignite as fuel, which is sourced directly from an adjacent open-pit mine. The facility consists of two units with a total installed capacity of approximately 120 megawatts. Construction was completed in 2005 with the support of Chinese technology. In recent years, extensive upgrades have been implemented to reduce emissions and improve environmental standards, as the plant had faced criticism regarding air pollution. The station remains a controversial yet technically essential component of Myanmar's energy mix for providing reliable base-load power.
- Location: Myanmar (Burma)
- Top sights: ထင္း႐ူးေတာင္ · Naung Mu Pagoda · monastery
- Nearby: Kalaw (15 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 22 | 24 | 27 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 23 |
| Rain mm | 9 | 1 | 7 | 15 | 52 | 57 | 72 | 75 | 55 | 66 | 15 | 7 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Tigyit Coal Power Plant is a major energy provider for Myanmar, generating crucial electricity to support the national grid. Located in Shan State, it is a significant industrial site that highlights the ongoing tension between energy needs and environmental concerns.
Visiting
This is a restricted, active industrial facility, and public tours or interior visits are generally not permitted due to safety and security regulations. Access is strictly limited to plant workers and authorized officials.
Where to view it
The massive cooling towers, smokestacks, and nearby open-cast mining operations can be seen from various roads traveling through the Pinlaung township area. The visual impact on the surrounding rural landscape is prominent from a considerable distance.
Local products
The area around the plant is largely focused on agriculture and the local coal economy, rather than tourism-oriented products. Visitors traversing the region might encounter typical Shan highland produce, local teas, and traditional textiles in nearby village markets.
Active season
The power plant operates continually year-round to feed the national grid. The visible emissions from the stacks are a constant presence, regardless of the distinct dry or wet seasons that affect the surrounding agricultural landscape.
Nearby
The region is often passed through by travelers moving between the popular Inle Lake and the intriguing limestone caves of Pinlaung, such as the Myinmathi Cave. The scenic drive features a contrast between massive industrial development and traditional Shan rural life.
Geography
Facts
- The power plant utilizes lignite coal from the Tigyit basin.
- The total installed capacity is 120 megawatts, divided into two 60 MW units.
- Official operations at the facility commenced in the year 2005.
- The project was supported by the China National Heavy Machinery Corporation.
- Tigyit is located on a high plateau in the southern Shan State.
- The plant underwent a temporary shutdown after 2015 for technical upgrades.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Tigyit Coal Power Plant (6)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Tigyit coal power plant?
A plant for electricity generation by burning coal.
Can tourists visit the plant?
No, the plant is not open to the public.
What regional importance does the plant have?
It serves for local electricity supply.
Are there ecological concerns?
Yes, coal power plants are often the subject of ecological discussions.
Is the area interesting for travelers?
The region features more rural, quiet landscapes.
Tigyit Coal Power Plant: where is it located?
Tigyit Coal Power Plant is located in Myanmar (Burma).
Tigyit Coal Power Plant: what is there to see?
Highlights include ထင္း႐ူးေတာင္, Naung Mu Pagoda, monastery.
Tigyit Coal Power Plant: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Tigyit Coal Power Plant: why is it worth visiting?
The Tigyit Coal Power Plant is located in Shan State, Myanmar, near the town of Pinlaung, and stands as the largest coal-fired facility in the country.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Myanmar (Burma) →
Nearby cities
Muse
An important border town in northern Shan State, characterized by heavy trade with China.
Taunggyi
The capital of Shan State, located on a ridge and known for its cool climate.
Lashio
The largest town in northern Shan State and an important trading center near the Chinese border.
Putao
A remote gateway to the Eastern Himalayas, famous for trekking, snow-capped peaks, and rare biodiversity.
Hsipaw
A relaxed town in the Shan highlands, famous for trekking to ethnic hill villages and its historic Shan Palace.
Kengtung
A picturesque town in eastern Shan State, known for its traditional architecture and ethnic diversity.
History & landmarks
Nature
More places
Pindaya Caves
A major pilgrimage site featuring an extensive limestone cave system that houses thousands of Buddha statues.
Inle Lake Floating Gardens
Unique agricultural areas on Inle Lake where farmers grow tomatoes and other vegetables on floating islands.
Gokteik Viaduct
An impressive railway bridge from the British colonial era that crosses a deep gorge in Shan State.
Kakku Pagodas
A remote religious complex in Shan State consisting of thousands of ancient stupas clustered closely together.
Shweli 1 Hydropower Station
A large hydropower project on the Shweli River in Shan State, contributing to the energy supply of both Myanmar and neighboring Chinese p…
Shan Hills
A vast mountainous plateau that forms the eastern part of Myanmar, known for its deep gorges and distinct ethnic diversity.
🗺️
105 Mile Trade Zone
The largest and most important border crossing station on the border with China near Muse, handling the bulk of bilateral trade.
Loi Pangnao
One of the ultra-prominent peaks in the Shan Hills, distinguished by its impressive elevation and surrounding highland ecology.