Solar park to add 1237 kw to grid

A solar power park will be constructed at Barutankanda, Hambantota with the assistance of the governments of Japan and Korea next year.

Under its first phase Japan will grant Rs 1,024 million to build a solar power plant with a capacity of 737 kw. It is expected to be completed by August 2011, said a press release issued by the Power and Energy Ministry yesterday.

During the second phase another solar power plant will be established at the same park with Rs 513 million assistance from the Republic of Korea.

The Sri Lankan Government will fund Rs 114 million for this second plant which would have a capacity of 500 kw. The completion of both phases would save for Sri Lanka annually 963 tons of Carbon dioxide that would have been released to the atmosphere and 429, 800 litres of fuel spent to generate 1237 kw of electricity that the park produces.