Energy needs: Present and long
term
Sri Lanka is
heavily dependent on the use of petroleum for producing energy.
As it is known fossil fuel deposits in the world are limited.
Hence it is becoming scarce day by day.
Besides, Sri Lanka has been totally dependent on imports for
its requirements of crude oil. The price of petroleum in the
world market is rising. In this context it is clear that the
country has to look out for alternative sources of energy.
The Government has already started the Norochcholai Coal
Power Plant. Another coal power plant will come up in
Trincomalee. Coal, is also not an inexhaustible raw material. It
too has to be imported.
While the steps taken by the Government may be adequate to
meet the present demand for energy it would not be sufficient in
the future. Therefore it is necessary to have a long-term
strategy to ensure the necessary energy sources for the
development of the country.
It is in this context that the experiments and research
currently undertaken by the Moratuwa University to produce
bio-methane from waste become important.
Sri Lanka has to switch to sustainable sources of energy at
some future date. The earlier it is the better. In this respect,
priority should be given to develop all such sustainable and
eco-friendly sources of energy.
Sri Lanka spends much more than other countries in our region
to produce a unit of electric power. In fact, electricity is
sold to the consumer at a subsidized rate. It is necessary to
bring down the cost of production. It would require raising the
productivity of labour as well as cutting down waste.
The new Minister has pledged to make the CEB a profit making
venture in the shortest time, which is also an unenviable task.
While that is a short term measure it is necessary to have a
holistic approach to the development of energy. Fortunately Sri
Lanka is blessed by nature with various resources that could be
harnessed in the long run.
Though we do not have coal the possibility of striking oil in
Sri Lanka’s maritime zone is real. If found, it would guarantee
our energy demands in the immediate future. However, we could
develop other forms of energy which are sustainable such as
solar power, wind power and bio-energy. Some interesting
experiments have been undertaken recently in the way of
utilizing bio-energy and wind power.
Sri Lanka has abundant sunlight throughout the year. Hence
solar energy is an inexhaustible source. However, its cost of
production remains high. It is necessary to invest in research
to reduce the cost of production of solar energy. The same goes
for wind energy. Bio-energy, on the other hand could be produced
relatively cheaper.
One drawback in the Sri Lankan thinking is its craze for mega
projects. It is necessary, instead, to go for medium and small
scale projects at village and provincial level. Almost every
part of Sri Lanka has enough raw materials for the production of
bio-energy. If medium and small scale projects are designed it
would be easier to find resources and reduce production costs
with the mobilization of the local population for the supply of
raw materials. The Provincial Councils and local government
bodies could undertake such projects.
Though the potential for mega hydro-power projects has been
almost exhausted by now there still remain potential for medium
and small scale hydro-power projects too.
The private sector has so far not shown much initiative in
venturing into these areas. Perhaps they would do so with proper
government incentives. Public-private partnership would be a
welcome alternative as it would reduce the risk of private
entrepreneurs venturing alone into an untested territory.
The new Minister with his experience in the environmental
field should seriously develop a plan for long-term sustainable
energy security and proceed towards its implementation with the
assistance of all stakeholders. |