More power projects with India

• The National Thermal Power Corporation of India and CEB have entered into an agreement to jointly implement a solar power project in two stages in the same venue
• project expected to be completed in two years from 2024 to 2025

By Sandun A Jayasekera  

The government has decided to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of renewable energy between India and Sri Lanka and to establish a solar power station in Sampoor, Trincomalee by the Ceylon Electricity Board and a joint venture company of the National Thermal Power Corporation of India on a recommendation of the Minister of Power and Energy, Kanchana Wijesekera.   

The National Thermal Power Corporation of India and the Ceylon Electricity Board have entered into an agreement to jointly implement a solar power project in two stages in the same venue where the previous coal power generation plant was planned to be set up in Sampoor, generating 135 megawatts.  

As the first stage of this project, it is expected to implement a solar power project of 50  

megawatts with a total estimated investment of US$ 42.5 million and to construct a 220 kilowatts transmission line with a 40 kilometres length from Sampoor to Kappalthure at a cost of US$ 23.6 million.  It is expected to complete the project in two years from 2024 to 2025. A solar power generation plant with an additional 85 megawatts is expected to be constructed under a total investment US$ 72 million at stage 2 of this project.  

It has been planned to construct a transmission line of 76 kilometres with a capacity of 220 kilowatts from Kappalthure to New Habarana with an estimated expenditure of US$ 42 million in order to the distribution of electricity generated under stage 02 of this project.  

The government has declared generating 70% of the electricity requirement by 2030 from renewable energy sources and becoming independent in power supply and to neutralizing carbon emissions by 2050.