Innovative Business Models Fuel Sri Lanka-India Grid Link

• The Ceylon Electricity Board  and the Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. have almost finalized the technical details

By Kelum Bandara
Sri Lanka and India will explore various business models to lay the transmission line connecting the two national electricity grids once the joint working group (JWG) chaired by the two power secretaries approves the detailed project report , a top source familiar with the project said .  The Ceylon Electricity Board ( CEB) and the Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd have almost finalized the technical details . India sought more details from Sri Lanka last week in addition to what had already been provided.   

With Sri Lanka submitting additional information,the source said the technical details had almost been finalized . The report is slated to be submitted to the JWG later.   
“Once that is done , it will be discussed and approved ,” the source said .  
Asked about the business model , the source said there are several options such as the involvement of a third party to construct the line - overhead lines or undersea cables - for a payment and the formation of a special purpose vehicle (joint venture ) between the two sides to execute the project.
 Each side developing its own side of the line is yet another possible business model under exploration.