Indian support to re-energize Kerawalapitiya power plant
May 21, 2017
India is facing a golden opportunity to get involved with Sri Lankan power and energy sector, said Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Energy Dr. Suren Batagoda. The move will definitely benefit both the countries, Dr. Batagoda explained.
Sri Lankan Government is pursuing the ability to implement the project as a joint collaboration between The Ceylon Electricity Board and the National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC Ltd.) of India. As the initial step Indian assistance will be extended to the upgrade the effectiveness of the Liquefied Natural Gas power plant in Kerawalapitiya, he said.
“We have requested both parties to forward their proposals. Ealier, India agreed to assist to develop the Sampur Thermal power plant which had the capacity to generate 500 MW power. The project was a joint effort of the Ceylon Electricity Board and the NTPC Ltd. Of India being co shareholders, but it could not be implemented.” At present, 500 MW of power is being generated by the Norochcholai coal power plant which is 50% of the total power generation of the country. This is very costly. If we can move to Liquefied Natural Gas that will be more economical,” added Dr. Batagoda.
Adding further, Dr. Batagoda said that Japan will assist Sri Lanka to develop the power and energy sector. Therefore the Sri Lankan Government plans to develop country’s power and energy sector with the joint support of India and Japan. Accordingly a project is proposed to construct a 500 MW Liquefied Natural Gas power plant with the support of Japan.
“All this will follow the Government procurement protocols and tender procedures and already we have decided to call for tenders to construct 300MW Liquefied Natural Gas power plant,” he said.
“In the meantime, India and purchase our wind energy. At present Sri Lanka owns a 5000MW wind energy and India can invest in to the business,” he explained.
Dr. Batagoda added that the aim is the develop the renewable energy sector building its capacity and enabling it to generate 6400 MW power by 2025.
Ashika Brahmana
