Thursday Dec 26, 2024
Thursday Dec 26, 2024
Monday, 21 September 2020 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Shailendree Wickrama Adittiya
Steps to expedite the reactivation of the 165 MW combined cycle unit at the Kelanitissa Power Station will be taken by the Power Ministry.
The unit has been inactive since October 2019 due to mechanical issues resulting in parts being sent to India for repairs. However, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the parts have not yet been sent to Sri Lanka, according to the Ministry.
During an observational visit to the Kelanitissa Power Station on Tuesday, Power Minister Dullas Alahapperuma inquired about the unit and stated measures will be taken to bring down the required parts. He added that a long-term solution to prevent delays when implementing established maintenance and repair processes were necessary. In addition to this, Power Ministry officials recently met with the US Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives Alaina Teplitz to discuss the country’s plans to increase renewable power generation to 70% of total generation, while reducing diesel usage to 5%.
In a statement, the Ministry said these plans will be carried out with the assistance of the United States. The support was pledged during an official discussion between Power Minister Alahapperuma and Teplitz, which took place with the presence of Power Minister Secretary Wasantha Perera and Chief Economic Officer to the US Embassy Susan Walke.
While the discussion focused on the expansion of Sri Lanka’s power generation sector, Alahapperuma shared that plans were underway to develop the country’s reusable energy sources and explore new sources.
Support from the US will come in the form of technical expertise and the Ministry’s statement explained that Walke showed interest in attracting US investors for renewable power projects in Sri Lanka, while also establishing two concessionary loan schemes.
