Poor growth in energy elasticity ratio - Prof. de Alwis

Ruwanthi Abeyakoon

GROWTH: Sri Lanka experiences four to six percent growth in GDP per annum and the growth of the electrical demand is eight-ten percent which is not a favourable energy elasticity ratio compared to other developed countries. Prof. Ajith de Alwis of Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa said.

Delivering a speech on `Role of Energy in the Profitability Equation', he said that Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) and the other industries form the backbone of the economy. "When the energy consume goes down the profit goes up," Prof. de Alwis explained.

"There should be an energy policy with an annual action plan and reports on measured progress. By managing energy well, it will increase profits, lower production and maintenance costs, improve products and services, upgrade working conditions and improve organisation's environmental performance," he explained.

Prof. de Alwis also said that the three main energy supplies in Sri Lanka are Biomass, Petroleum, and Hydroelectricity. "Hydroelectricity contributes to 7.4 percent of the total energy requirement. While Biomass contributes to 47.3 percent and petroleum to 45.3 percent. Houses and commerce sector consumes 51.4 percent of energy while transport and industry consume 25.9% and 22.1% respectively," he said explaining the energy supply and the consumption pattern.

He questioned why Sri Lanka is least productive although it is one of the most literate countries. "There is no lack of finance, information, technology and expertise here. If we take macro examples, Japan has very similar energy resources. They have implemented energy conservation law, energy conservation day and promotion of technology for development," he said.

"Energy management should be structured properly in Sri Lanka. Using energy efficient vehicles will save energy. Boiler Plants should be efficiently operated.

Localised water heaters can be installed for hot water services," Prof. de Alwis said.