Norochcholai coal power plant:

President inaugurates work on phase II

Chaminda PERERA in Puttalam

President Mahinda Rajapaksa inaugurated the construction work on phase II of Norochcholai coal power plant yesterday. Sri Lankan and Chinese Engineers, Ministers, higher officials of the Chinese Embassy and the Power and Energy Ministry were present.

The Phase II of the project will add 600MW to the national grid by 2012. The first phase of the project is expected to add 300 MW by November this year.

The Chinese Government provided the total cost of the project in form of a concessionary loan. The China Engineering and Manufacturing Corporation is implementing the project.

This coal fired theramal power plant which was initially planned to be implemented in 1985 was initiated by the UPFA Government under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa after a lapse of 20 years.

The country ‘s total electricity production by 2005 was 2407MW but Sri Lanka did not have a proper plan to meet the electricity demand which increases by 10% a year.

A number of power stations were planned in the country by this Government in compliance with the Mahinda Chinthanaya policy framework which has earmarked to make the country as the energy hub of Asia. . The Kerawalapitiya power station which commenced operation last week, added over 300 MW to the national grid.

The country’s energy sector will receive a tremendous boost within a few years with the completion of several key power generation projects.

The Government has already started to upgrade the hydro power stations such as Lakshapana, Ukuwela, and several other hydro power stations.