Power and energy sector development

Ariya Rubasinghe

Power and energy was a sector that found no development in the not too distant history of Sri Lanka. Although there were blueprints for launching several projects, the previous rulers of this country kept these blueprints in abeyance due to political expediency. The Mahinda Chintana clearly addresses these problems in our energy sector. First part of this article was published on Saturday, January 15

* Electrification of East

Construction of Power Stations at Ampara and Valachchenai, fixing power lines from Habarana to Valachchenbai is taking place at a cost of Rs 2,677 million with assistance from the Asian Development Bank.

In addition to this several power generating units using straw have been established throughout the Eastern Province.

* Other sources of power generation

It is estimated that with the rapid development Sri Lanka is undergoing the current demand for electricity would double by 2020. In order to meet this growing demand Sri Lanka has already taken several measures to tap energy sources other than the currently used diesel, thermal, hydro and coal power generations. Wind power is one of the new sources being tapped and Wind Mills generate power have been established in various locations in Hambantota and Puttalam.

Another source of power is the geothermal power. Surveys have revealed that Sri Lanka has around 12 underground hot springs from Hambantota to Kilinochchi which could generate power.

Power generation through biogas is another source being explored. Engineering Faculty of the University of Ruhuna and the German Engineers are carrying at studies on the possibility of establishing biogas power generating units in Sri Lanka.

Another source is to go nuclear. Sri Lanka’s intention to use nuclear technology for producing power has already been communicated to the International Atomic Energy Agency and negotiations are being held with several countries in this regard. Most probably Russia will be the country that would assist us in setting up a nuclear power plant.

* Development in energy sector

The government took several measures to conserve energy and minimize our dependence on imported energy sources and to explore the possibility of getting cheap oil.

Following a request made by President Mahinda Rajapaksa during his visit to Iran, the government of Iran supply us oil on 90-day interest free loan basis.

This measure is very much advantageous to Sri Lanka and help save a considerable amount of foreign exchange.

Iran has also signed an agreement to establish a second oil refinery unit at Sapugaskanda and when it comes into operation Sri Lanka could make a large saving on oil imports. Also, there are plans to establish oil-refining facilities in the new Magampura Port at Hambantota.

* Oil exploration

Indian Company Cairn Ltd., is to commence oil exploration activities in the Block that have been assigned them in January next year. Cairn will implement exploration activities in three stages and it is expected to finalise exploration activities in eight years, Surveys carried out have identified 12 potential oil blocks in Sri Lanka in the Kaveri, Mannar basins and off the cost of Hambantota and several international oil exploration companies have expressed interest in undertaking oil exploration in these blocks and the proposals are now being evaluated.

The writer is Media Centre for National Development Director, Mass Media and Information Ministry

Courtesy: Media Centre for National Development