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Weighing the power options

One silver lining in the dark cloud which is the power crisis is the constructive debate on alternative energy sources and connected issues, it has generated. Hardly a day passes without this daily highlighting in its columns, inputs to this useful debate from specialists and laymen.

The State authorities who have set for themselves a specified time frame for the resolution of the power crisis, are bound to find these suggestions and propositions very useful.

The numerous viewpoints thrown up by the power debate make it clear that the crisis upon us is of a very complex nature. There can be no simple answers to this problem which was so grave that it played a principal role in changing the previous PA administration's electoral fortunes.

The crisis, apparently, cannot be reduced to a simple thermal power Vs coal power proposition. We will continue to be considerably dependent on hydro power and on the monsoon showers in the short and medium term but every available power and energy source may have to be efficiently tapped if our long-term self-sufficiency in electrical power is to be ensured. These will include solar and wind power and coal power.

This important consideration was clearly underlined when Power and Energy Minister Karu Jayasuriya declared open a solar energy generating complex in Colombo recently.

Solar and wind energy generation could prove comparatively cumbersome but Sri Lanka has no option but to exploit these sources if the current difficulties are to be eased.

It would be important to bear in mind that even industrial giants, such as the US, depend considerably on wind power for the strengthening of the national grid.

Windmills are by no means obsolete or superfluous when it comes to meeting power requirements.

A glance at our pages would reveal the depth of thinking on these issues. Perhaps, the time's ripe for the authorities to consult public opinion more closely on power - generation options and connected issues, if this has not already been done. The power crisis, it is clear, is a national problem, calling for a consensual, national solution.

The inefficiencies involved in transforming coal power into electrical energy has been pointed out by some experts, but we consider it inadvisable to ditch the coal power option on this score alone. The power crisis has grown to such proportions that all available power options have to be explored and the pros and cons of using them carefully weighed.

However, a pragmatic policy in this situation is best. The energy requirements of the people have to be met on terms which are most favourable to them, but this principle shouldn't prevent the authorities from seeking the assistance of also the private sector in resolving the crisis.

It is now clear that we need more thermal power plants to supplement the national grid. We need to forge steadily ahead with this project with private sector assistance if necessary.

• Editorial of  The Observer - Pitfalls in Peace-making 17.01.2002:
  

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