India’s State-run NTPC plans to set up solar power park in Sri Lanka

• India to mark its presence in Indian Ocean region via the project
• India also exploring option of overhead electricity link with Sri Lanka

India’s largest power generation utility NTPC Ltd plans to set up a solar power park in Sri Lanka under the aegis of International Solar Alliance (ISA), according to an Indian media report.

Quoting a senior Indian government official, Mint, a New-Delhi based financial daily newspaper reported that India is looking to set up a solar park in Sri Lanka.

It noted that this move is a part of a concerted strategy to project India’s presence in the Indian Ocean region, even as China aims to co-opt countries into its ‘Belt and Road’ initiative. 

NTPC Ltd earlier announced that discussions were underway with the Sri Lankan government for setting up of a LNG-based gas plant and a solar 
PV project. 

However, Mint noted that it couldn’t verify the proposed solar power park officially. 

“Queries emailed to the spokespersons of NTPC and India’s ministry of new and renewable energy remained unanswered,” it stated. 

The company has signed a joint venture and shareholder agreement with the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) in 2019 for the incorporation of a 50:50 joint venture company for the proposed development of 300 MW plus 15 percent LNG power project at Kerawalapitiya.

Another Indian firm, Petronet LNG Ltd had earlier announced its plans of setting up a liquefied natural gas terminal in Sri Lanka.

In addition, India is also exploring the option of an overhead electricity link with Sri Lanka as part of efforts to create a new-energy ecosystem for the neighbourhood. 

The proposed solar park follows State-run NTPC Ltd’s plan to set up a US$ 500 million coal-fuelled power project in Trincomalee that got scrapped amidst environmental and social concerns.