Another 500 MW to national grid

Another 500 mega watts is to be added to the national grid within the next two years utilising non conventional power generating sources.

According to the Power and Energy Ministry this will be done utilising wind power Dendro and Bio gas projects. A total of 159 permits have been issued for starting these power generation projects as part of the national program to obtain 10 percent of the national electricity demand through renewable energy sources, Power and Energy Ministry sources said.

Sources added that the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority has also issued permits for wind power projects to generate 80 mega watts of electricity.

Minister W.D.J. Seneviratne has stressed that it was mandatory for these permit holders to start their power projects within the stipulated two year period.

Those who failed to do so will have their permits cancelled. They are also prohibited from transferring the permits to third parties. Ministry sources said already 130 mega watts of electricity was being generated through renewable energy sources utilising rice husk, garbage and sugarcane refuse.