May 25, The Sri Lankan government is currently engaged in streamlining the country's energy sector within the next three years following the completion of the Upper Kothmale and Norochcholai coal power plants.
According to the newly appointed Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka apart from the mega projects, the government was planning on adding 250 MW through medium scale hydropower projects, another 50 MW through wind energy and 180 MW through mini hydropower projects.
Ranawaka has explained that following the completion of the Upper Kothmale and Norochcholai projects, the average cost per unit of electricity would be around Rs. 17.50.
The first phase of the Norochcholai coal power plant is to inject 300 MW to the main grid by 2011 while the second phase is scheduled to be completed by 2013 and is expected to inject 600 MW to the national grid. The Upper Kotmale plant is expected to inject 150 MW to the grid by 2012.
The government is also planning to complete several medium scale hydropower projects that would add another 250 MW to the existing power grid. These include the Iran funded Uma Oya project, Broadland, Moragolla and Gin Ganga projects.
Tenders are to be called for the Broadland project, which is to be constructed along the Kelani River.
"The biggest issue faced by the country's power and energy sector was the lack of implementing any power projects from 1990-2005," the Minister has pointed adding that the crisis in the energy sector commenced after 1992 when the demand for electricity saw a 7% annual growth and the respective governments delayed taking appropriate measures.
"The power sector would now be able to meet the demand and is targeting a 100% electricity penetration level to cover every part of the island through a three year rural electrification programme," Ranawaka has said.
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