Natural gas ideal way to cut power generation costs
A well-planned work program to generate electricity using natural gas
(LNG) is now under way. A Canadian-American Company has submitted its
proposal to construct a Natural Gas Powerhouse of 300MW at
Kerawalapitiya.
 |
|
The Ministry is determined to boost
Sri Lanka’s electricity generation capacity |
The second natural gas powerhouse is to be constructed at Mirissa
with the financial assistance of the Iranian Government, to add
electricity to the national grid at a cost of Rs. 5 per unit. The
feasibility report of the project would begin soon. Introduction of
natural gas source which uses a high technology in line with the world’s
trend is an accomplishment of the Ministry.
Medium and small-scale powerhouses
The fervent hope of the Ministry is to provide electricity at a
minimum rate to enable the development of the industrial and commercial
services of the country. Therefore, the Ministry is determined to
develop 2,400 MW and 12000 Gwh electricity capacity up to 12000 Gwh this
year. Development of small-scale powerhouses up to 400 MW is a
compulsory plan developed for this purpose. In addition, approval has
already been received to develop Ginganga, Umaoya, Broadland and
Moragolla plants which are the medium- scale powerhouses. The
construction of these powerhouses would commence next year.
Efficiency of the CEB
The major target of the Ministry is to make the Ceylon Electricity
Board an efficient entity. Preliminary plans have been formulated to
update the outdated electricity system.
Development of energy for the Sri Lanka’s future is carried out and a
special energy conservation program has been launched to encourage the
public to use electricity economically and it is expected to stop
wastage and to save Rs. 35 million from domestic and industrial sectors.
The ability to save about Rs. 1,000 million from the expenditure for the
fuel in the previous year was one of the national endeavours launched by
the Ministry.
It is expected to construct gas insulator grid sub-station of 220 KV
and a zebra transmission line of 220 KV from Kerawalapitiya powerhouse
to Kotugoda grid sub-station with the financial assistance of JABIC. It
is also expected to construct a transmission line from Vavuniya to
Kilinochchi and the approval has been received to construct a
transmission line of 132 KV from Jaffna to Kilinochchi. It is expected
to construct a transmission line of 132 KV from Ambalangoda to Galle
grid sub-station to a distance of 36 km at a cost of USD 18 million.
The supply of electricity to Somawathie Stupa at a cost of Rs. 18
million was a great religious service rendered by the Ministry in
addition to all other services specified above.
Taking steps to reduce electricity prices to foster the industrial
development of this country while contributing to a considerable
percentage of development of the national economy and serving the nation
is very important to achieve the eight percent economic growth.
Therefore the decision taken to reduce the electricity charges
imposed on small, medium and large scale industries would be immensely
beneficial to expedite the development of the country.
- The Ministry of Power and Energy
|
