Kerawalapitiya to boost economic growth
Wijitha NAKKAWITA
The Kerawalapitiya multi-fuel combined cycle power plant, Yugadanavi,
the first ever power plant with a 300 megawatt capacity designed and
built by Sri Lankan engineers is another important step forward in the
ambitious national electrification policy of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
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The Kerawalapitiya Power Plant. Picture by Kamal Jayamanne |
It is the only power plant in South Asia using low sulfur heavy fuel
with minimum environmental pollution.
It also combines with the largest ever sea water desalination plant
to use the water for steam power in the generation of electricity.
Seen as one of the most innovative projects it would help to
strengthen National Grid contributing to further industrial and
infrastructure development and further national economic growth.
The entire plant commissioned in two stages was completed in two
years with entirely local engineers and the workforce keeping to strict
schedules. This plant adding 300 mw to the National Grid has prevented a
shortage of power. It would also reduce the cost of production giving an
opportunity to reduce the cost of electricity to the consumer.
The speciality of the second stage of the combined cycle power plant
is that the second stage used steam power with the heat generated in the
first stage plant to generate a further 100 megawatts of electricity
without any fuel costs.
Opening the second stage of the combined cycle power plant on
Thursday President Mahinda Rajapaksa stressed his faith in the local
engineers and experts.
The major contribution made to the national economy by adding 300 mw
by Lakdanavi Ltd., one of the most enterprising Sri Lankan companies has
proved the enterprise and innovative competence of the local private
sector. |
