Coal power to boost electricity

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) yesterday assured that electricity consumers will not be affected by any black-outs in future, with the commissioning of new coal power plants, Sri Lanka's first Coal Power Project at Norochcholai is expected to going operation in March next year.

The first phase of this Chinese Government funded Norochcholai Coal Power Project which is constructed at a cost of 455 million US dollars will add 300 MW to the national grid.

During a recent site inspection tour at Norochcholai, CEB Chairman, E.A.S.K. Edirisinghe said that after completing the first phase, the second and third phases of the Coal Power project are scheduled to be completed by the year 2013 and thereafter an additional 600 MWs will be added to the national grid.

It was reported that consignments of coal to generate power will be imported from three countries under the supervision of Lanka Coal Company (LCC). The LCC will be assisted by the CEB, the Shipping Corporation and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.

According to a senior Chinese Site Engineer, nearly 900 Chinese nationals including engineers, helpers, welders and fitters are employed on the project, with a few Sri Lankan engineers providing consultancy services for the project.

Project Manager (Transmission Line), R.K. Piyadasa said a new power line with 288 towers will be installed at a cost of US dollars 70 million from Norochcholai power house to Veyangoda Grid sub station to distribute power to other parts of the country.

Project Director (Electrical) P.C.C. Perera said a 13 km road will also be constructed from the work site to Palavi for the use of residents in the area.