Vidullanka commissions 4MW Lower Kotmale Oya Mini Hydro Power Project
Friday, 27 June 2014 03:27
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Vidullanka PLC, one of the pioneers in the Sri Lanka mini hydro power industry, has commissioned its seventh Mini Hydro Power Project (MHPP) in Kotmale, Nuwara Eliya on 25 June.
The Lower Kotmale Oya MHPP is a ‘run of the river’ type mini hydro power project which does not require the erection of a dam and storing the water, thus eliminating the adverse impact to the environment and the riparian eco system.
The power plant utilises the flow of the Kotmale Oya, both from the environmental release of Upper Kotmale Power Project and its own catchment of 89 sqkm. The power plant consists of a 1,430m head race channel and an 870m penstock to convey the water mass to the turbines from the intake point. The flow fed into the turbines again released to the Lower Kotmale Oya at a lower elevation. The power plant would also reduce the carbon emission by 8,255 tons.
Vidullanka PLC adopts a strategy of teaming up with prominent players from the power industry and outside. The project company Lower Kotmale Oya Hydro Power Ltd. is a joint venture with Jaywise Constructions Ltd. Amana Bank PLC has provided the debt funding for the project.
The Sri Lanka Renewable Energy Industry was born in 1997, with the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) entering into Standard Power Purchase Agreements with Non-Conventional Energy producers to purchase the clean energy.
The ‘Mahinda Chinthana’ gave the required recognition to the industry and provided a policy frame work in 2005. It set a target of 15% of the national energy consumption to be met through renewable energy sources by the year 2015, and 20% to be met by 2020. Vidullanka PLC is committed itself to the clean energy development and to contribute to achieve the national policy goals set while ensuring that it properly address the needs of all the stakeholders.
Vidullanka PLC has commissioned four mini hydro power projects within two years, adding 8.6 MW, which is 57% of the Group’s present capacity. In addition, the company is expanding its operations overseas, especially in East Africa both in the areas of mini hydro power generation and engineering services. The company aims to grasp emerging opportunities based on a long-term strategy, which would generate wealth for all stakeholders.
