India-SL power trade by 2014

By dianne

25 November 2010 06:16 am - 21 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The two countries are likely to sign an MoU for a Rs 2,500-crore (Rs 25 billion) project.

The government's initiative to have trading of electricity with Sri Lanka is likely to bear fruit by mid-2014, with the commissioning of a high capacity power transmission link between the two countries.

Power Grid Corporation of India (PGCIL), the country's largest electricity transmission utility and the implementing agency for the project from the Indian side, is likely to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for developing the Rs 2,500-crore (Rs 25 billion) project with the neighbouring country by next month.

The 285-kilometre India-Sri Lanka power link, which includes submarine cables over 50 km, will enable the two countries to trade their surplus power with each other, thereby offering a cheaper option to bridge their power generation deficits and also manage peak demand.

"We are going to sign the MoU with the Sri Lankan side for the project in December. After this, it will take us six months to start work on the development of the project. We will complete the project within three years," Power Grid Chairman and Managing Director S K Chaturvedi said.

While India generally reels under an overall 12 per cent peak power deficit currently, minute electricity surplus in eastern and southern grids become available seasonally.

"With the commissioning of the Krishnapatnam Ultra Mega Power Project (UMPP) in Andhra Pradesh, tradeble surplus would become available," Chaturvedi said.

UMPPs are large-sized projects being developed by the private sector. The Krishnapatnam UMPP is being developed by Anil Dhirubhai Ambani-owned Reliance Power and is likely to be commissioned by 2015.

The link will help Sri Lanka reduce its use of expensive fuels and import cheaper power from India's surplus. For India, the link will help open a new market for its projected surplus of power.

The subsea line would initially have a capacity of transmitting 500 Mw, according to Power Grid's feasibility report.

"Later, the power flow could be ramped up to 1,000 Mw, beginning 2016, when the power generation capacities in the two countries improve, with surplus availability especially in the Indian southern grid," Chaturvedi said.

The completion of the proposed undersea transmission link, however, would also depend on the commissioning of NTPC's 500 Mw imported coal-based power project being planned to be set up at Trincomalee in Sri Lanka. The undersea project would be useful in evacuation of power from the plant.

"The transmission project is linked to the Trincomalee plant. It takes at least four-five years to set up a coal-based project, while my project takes only three years for completion," Chaturvedi said.

While the work on NTPC's project has not begun, an official from NTPC said the construction work would begin as soon as all the necessary approvals were obtained.

Powergrid and Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), the largest electricity company of Sri Lanka, will lay down cables under the Gulf of Mannar between Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu and Talaimannar in Sri Lanka.

Globally, transnational undersea power transmission lines have been laid so far only between the UK and the France for transferring 2,000 Mw of electricity.

The Philippines plans to set up similar transmission links to connect its islands through the undersea electricity network.

rediff.com

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Comments - 21

malkanthi Thursday, 25 November 2010 09:16 AM

What happend to coal power plant? a coal shipment supposed to be in november and the commissioning. before bragging about a another venture in 2014, must show the results of the existing project.

Ampare son Saturday, 27 November 2010 12:54 AM

I am not happy with that. i am full support sampoor project.

Ahamed Afker Friday, 26 November 2010 03:21 AM

Before we sell to India,Pleaese provide whole Sri Lanka to power.Still some places are exsisting without power.Pleaese give them power first then think about selling.

damith Thursday, 25 November 2010 01:40 PM

its not only JVP to protest its all Sri Lankan citizens duty to get reaad of this family

Sinha Thursday, 25 November 2010 11:45 AM

I agree, we do not want to dependent on India for our power, Maximise our hydro, solar, wind potential as well as neuclear energy. even compromise on our environment but dont become dependent on India. It will turn out to be a huge strategic mistake

bandara Thursday, 25 November 2010 10:34 AM

India themselves looking for energy security while we ourselves are keen on other side of it. Please beware the plans to sell the western coastal area for Indian wind companies.

Sylvo Thursday, 25 November 2010 10:32 AM

NOt really... its south india who is going to depend on us one most of the developing power plants are in place, we will be exporting power.

I Hussein Thursday, 25 November 2010 10:14 AM

Blind leading another blind - Both got enough problem with electicity supply.

Smart Aleck Thursday, 25 November 2010 09:30 AM

Yes, and India can switch the power off every time we do not toe their line! Doesn't Russia do this even now to neighbouring former Soviet countries?

vinura Thursday, 25 November 2010 06:37 AM

why do we have to depend on India for everything ?

victoria Thursday, 25 November 2010 08:28 AM

Yes, a good move to repay the loan and NO benefit to us??

lankaman Thursday, 25 November 2010 08:26 AM

No comment

Dillon Thursday, 25 November 2010 08:19 AM

Time for JVP to start another protest !!!

R Thursday, 25 November 2010 07:49 AM

Energy dependency is never a good thing!

keerthi wijesinghe Thursday, 25 November 2010 07:24 AM

Is India trying to trying to electricute us ?

Lalin Thursday, 25 November 2010 07:14 AM

Good move

Saman/South Africa Thursday, 25 November 2010 07:01 AM

During initial stage of Mahaweli I remember Gamini Dissanayake was boosting that we can sell Power to India

Here n There Thursday, 25 November 2010 06:54 AM

WoW. There are some Smart people in the Govt. nw
Happy about it.
Lets see how many people Dislike this.

Chands Thursday, 25 November 2010 06:41 AM

Much better than having coal power in our backyard. However, careful thoughts are required prior to putting the signatures for conditions, particulalrly the fine print conditions.
Sri Lanka need to look after her-self!

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India-SL power trade by 2014

Comments - 21

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