The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has commenced the construction of 13 new power plants on urgent basis to face the upcoming electricity demand and plans to add 1000 MW capacity to the national grid during the year 2017 to 2020.
Power and Renewal Energy Ministry top official told The Sunday Observer that catering to the urgent requirement CEB has prepared new time plan to procure 225 of solar power plants, 270 MW of wind powerplant, 300 MW of LNG power plants and 200 MW of thermal powerplants.
These new plants will be set up in Galle, Kerawalapitiya, Kappalathurei, Monaragala, Horana, Pallekele, Siyabalaanduwa, and Poonerin. CEB
says first priority will be given for fast procurement and construction of the new power plants considering the drought situation prevailing in the country.
Moving ahead, CEB said it will establish a Project Management Unit and appoints project managers for 13 projects.
The Sunday Observer learns that CEB has already started the tendering process for some of the new plants proposed.
Energy Regulator, Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka recently approved the long term generation plan submitted by CEB scrapping coal power plants citing least cost methods.
However, it is learnt that PUCSL has reported to the Cabinet Sub Committee on Economic Management that the progress of implementation of the plan is slow, and urgently need to expedite the process.
Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy Secretary Dr. Suren Batagoda has requested CEB to prepare a strategic plan for construction of new plants immediately.
Sri Lanka now faces time to time power cuts due to the lower availability of hydro power generation.