Power generation by using sugar cane refuse

Vindhya HEWAVITHARANA

COLOMBO: The Power and Energy Ministry has taken steps to add 50 Mwt to the National Grid by generating power using the Sugar cane refuse disposed by the sugar manufacturing factories. This is done in pursuance of the Natural Energy Development five year plan.

According to Power and Energy Ministry sources at present the Pelawatta Sugar Corporation generates electricity the factory needs. But the aim of the project is to increase the power generation to 50 Mwt and add it to the National Grid.

Ministry sources pointed out that at present the power generated using the sugar cane refuse is able to provide electricity to 628 houses in the area and expressed confidence that with the enhancement of the project, the factory would be in a position to provide more electricity to a larger segment.

The sources further said that countries like India, America, England, Indonesia,Thailand and Brazil stand out as countries which have been successful in generating and adding 500 - 1000 Mwt to the grid by using sugar cane refuse.

Once this project is launched the economy of the small farmer communities involved in sugar cane plantation will be enhanced, the Ministry sources added.