Submarine cable power project can offset Rs. 30 b fuel bill

By Lalin Fernandopulle

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The 500MW submarine cable power project connecting Madurai and Anuradhapura through the Palk Straits should be a top priority in opting for a low cost environment friendly energy source, said Senior Lecturer, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Dr. Nishantha Nanayakkara.

He said with the commissioning of the submarine cable power project the country can offset the fuel bill on costly thermal power and save Rs. 30 billion (US $ 300 million) annually and make the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) a profit making institution.

“Among the proposals to increase power generation priority should be given to the Uma Oya, Upper Kotmale, Moragahakanda, Moragolla, Broadland, Gin Ganga projects which amounts to 400 Mw when commissioned”, Dr. Nanayakkara said.

He said if these projects are implemented within three years it will be a safe investment for the country to attract foreign investments and bring revenue for other development activities.

A consistent plan for the energy sector which will give priority to implement mega power projects will help cut down on waste, slash the country’s energy bill, formulate a reasonable tariff structure and reduce bank lending rates which will benefit enterpreneurs of the SME sector.

The country cannot be complacent with the present power generating projects and go slow with the coal power plant in Norochcholai. With the increase in energy consumption for industries and the growing population the existing power plants cannot meet the demand.

“Today the small hydro power sector is making a significant contribution to power generation - currently at 150 MW and with the potential to generate 250Mw. Small hydro power projects are implemented today by experts in the country at a reasonably low tariff”, he said.

The Municipality, Provincial Councils and other government institutions should encourage private sector initiatives in setting up hydro power projects. Private sector initiatives have been obstructed and many developers have opted for overseas projects which is a big loss to the country.

“The country can be proud that its small hydro power sector is a model to the world according to World Bank ratings.

A strong political will with a national policy to implement power projects without playing into the hands of traitors who oppose indigenous power projects for personal gain is necessary”, he said.

With the climate change, issues taking priority in international political agendas - energy development through environment friendly sources should be looked into without going for costly thermal power which is harmful to the planet. Today Iran is opting for nuclear power and other alternative energy sources.

The country spent Rs. 97 billion last year on thermal power while the allocation for education and health sectors was low. The country’s annual energy bill exceeds the total export earnings of the country which is around US$ 6.5 billion.

Sir Arthur C. Clarke in his vision for Sri Lanka in 2048 said the country needs to exploit Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) as the 21st century’s most environment friendly power generation technology. Dr. Nanayakkara said according to feasibility studies done by him with Japanese professors on OTEC Trincomalee and Unawatuna have been identified as the best sites in the world.