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Annual 6-7 percent growth in demand for power:
Energy sector needs $ 250m to 300m annually
Sanjeevi Jayasuriya
There is a 6-7 percent annual growth in the demand for power in the
country and forty one percent of the electricity is generated from
renewable energy sources, said an Independent Energy Consultant Dr.
Tilak Siyambalapitiya.
The energy sector needs USD $ 250-300 million investment annually for
new capacity building projects, he said.
Large hydro power plants were developed by the Government and
operated by the Ceylon Electricity Board. A total of 1,200 MWs
hydropower capacity was generated through these plants, he said.
The Government opened up the power sector to the private sector and
85 different power plants were developed by the private sector
generating a 160 MW capacity.
In the mini hydro sector nearly 5 percent is provided by the private
sector, he said.
The Upper Kotmale power plant with a capacity of 150 MW is under
construction together with four other power generating sources namely
Uma Oya, Moragalla Oya, Ginganga and Broadland projects.
Hydro capacity is limited to 50 such sites available and another
25-30 power plants are under various stages of development. Additional
potential of small hydro power plants are possible around 100 locations
yet to be developed. A mechanism is needed to develop these projects, he
said.
Wind energy potential is unlimited and four projects in the Puttalam
district are under construction. There is significant interest in
Bio-Mass and two power plants are in operation at Trincomalee and
Polonnaruwa. A great deal of enthusiasm is shown in municipal waste
without much success on generating power, he said.
The country needs to focus on economically viable solar power. It is
important to ensure power at a reasonable cost, he said.
The price offered for renewable energy is not at a sustainable level
and the Government needs to re-assess the price structure. We also need
to rationalize our customer price structure and subsides should be more
focused, he said. |
