Hayleys starts wind power generation at Nirmalapura

Friday, 10 August 2012 01:18 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Adds 10MW of renewable, sustainable energy to National Grid

Nirmalapura Wind Power (Pvt) Ltd. commenced commercial operation yesterday and is expected to add 10 megawatts to the National Grid through its wind turbine generators. The venture is the latest step towards boosting the power requirements of the nation through renewable and sustainable ‘green’ energy.

Green power!

Chief Guest Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka inaugurates the Nirmalapura Wind Power Plant. Puttalam District MP Victor Antony and Hayleys Chairman and Chief Executive Mohan Pandithage (right) look on

Situated in Kalpitiya on Sri Lanka’s western coast, the plant was opened in the presence of Chief Guest Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka and several other dignitaries. The project was carried out under the auspices of the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority.

Speaking at the event, Hayleys Chairman and Chief Executive Mohan Pandithage said: “Renewable energy is becoming increasingly significant in our growing, energy-reliant economy. Over the years Hayleys has successfully contributed to sustainable development through hydro and wind power generation. Hayleys currently provides 5.4 megawatts of hydro energy to the national grid and are developing several plants in order to provide 15 megawatts in the future.”

Hayleys and consortium partner Windforce Pvt. Ltd. were instrumental in providing the capital and technology necessary to build the wind power plant. “Wind power reinforces numerous renewable energy investments made by Hayleys across the electricity generation spectrum. The Nirmalapura 10 megawatts wind plant will contribute to supporting the nation’s power generation requirements and addressing the demands of the future today,” said Pandithage.

Wind power is widely recognised as Sri Lanka’s best natural resource after hydropower, due to the country’s substantial monsoon winds. The farm of wind turbine generators has seven turbines, each producing 1.5 MW of power.

Power plants currently operated by Hayleys provide 5.5MW of energy to the National Grid. The Group also provides complete turnkey solutions, develops and construct power houses, and supplies turbine generators for renewable power projects which currently supply the National Grid with a total of 9.5 MW.

Recogen, a Hayleys Group Company, operates the world’s only pollution-free charcoaling plant, which generates electricity from waste heat, contributing towards reducing fossil fuel driven power generation – an initiative that earned the company rights to trade-in carbon credits under the Kyoto Protocol.

Adjudged Sri Lanka’s ‘Best Corporate Citizen’ four times, the Hayleys Group employs more than 30,000 people, and accounts for 2.51 per cent of the country’s export income.