Mannar, Madurai identified as Indo-Lanka grid connectivity points

13 October 2023 07:10 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 11 Bookmark

CHATURANGA PRADEEP SAMARAWICKRAMA Follow

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Mannar in north-western Sri Lanka and Madurai in southern India have been identified as the connecting points of the proposed electricity transmission line between the two countries, a source familiar with the process said.

The detailed report has almost been finalized to be considered by the working group headed by the power secretaries of the two countries.

The grid connectivity has been an idea mooted as far back as 2003, but tangible work has been done only now. The project is envisaged in the joint statement issued after the conclusion of the visit of President Ranil Wickremesinghe in recent times.

According to the source, the total distance of the proposed power line will be 280-300 kilometres unless the identified connecting points are not altered later. The Sri Lankan side has kept both undersea cables and overhead lines optional in the execution of the project.

According to the initial estimate, it is likely to cost more than US $ 400 million.

“This is according to the latest prices which we took into account. It might change later depending on fluctuations. The cost will be higher if undersea cables are used,” he said. (Kelum Bandara)

Comments - 11

Tak Tik Tuk Friday, 13 October 2023 08:30 AM

No need all this if govt could subsidize the house hold Solar and Wind power products, the entire nation could be self sufficient and even generate enough power to export to India. But it is always imports and filling politicians pockets is the number one priority.

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Dee Friday, 13 October 2023 11:22 AM

Solar already no import tax, loan interest also low. Tax payers can also claim the system cost against payable tax. If further subsidized, the ‘majority’ (who consume less than 80 units) will obtain and sell the units in the black market.

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Leo Friday, 13 October 2023 01:24 PM

Don't you realise that the "subsidy" ends up been paid by the people through other means? The intention of this project is to export power to India. We have excess potential but India does not.

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Ranjith Friday, 13 October 2023 09:19 AM

This will be same like EU countries depending on Russia for there energy grids like gas supply. You are at the mercy of a third party for the power. We will never be able to generate surplus power to sell to India and this is only a one way deal.

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Liberal One Friday, 13 October 2023 01:26 PM

Connectivity is good either way. If we export our excess we get dollars. If we fail we get to keep our energy needs intact. That is better than factories getting shut down.

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Munasinghe Friday, 13 October 2023 10:18 AM

This is a very good project recommended by many Sri Lankan experts. Sri Lanka has the option to sell power once the solar projects are functional.

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Early bird catches the worm. Friday, 13 October 2023 12:52 PM

Please don’t procrastinate. Go ahead and start the project.

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Wiraj Friday, 13 October 2023 02:34 PM

The project is good. Export when you have excess and import when there is a shortfall in electricity supply, not like the regular import of goods in a random and haphazard manner.

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N V Jen Friday, 13 October 2023 02:48 PM

Implement it without delay, as we face shortfall in Electricity supply between Feb and June each year and are forced to buy from private parties at exorbitant price while commissions galore. But what is puzzling is Madurai is on the west of India, and is very far for connectivity with Mannar. Why not from Rameshwaram or Nagapattinam?

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Antony silva Friday, 13 October 2023 04:50 PM

I don't see a logic on this maybe empty word just like everything. TN only cover 80-85 % local demand. So how they export to SL.. sri lanka power unit are too expensive when you compare to TN price.

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Sambo Friday, 13 October 2023 08:24 PM

The price will change depending on the fluctuations and commissions. Since our Sri Lankan's have never been good in proper negotiations the switch will remain on Indian soil which means they can shut down the power at their will.

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