By Sandun A. Jayasekera

In a major shift in the national power and energy policy, the government will not construct coal power plants after the proposed Sampur plant, gradually phasing out thermal power generation and turning to renewable energy in a bid to generate pollution free affordable electricity.

Addressing a news briefing to announce the first ever Vidulka Energy Week, the Exhibition and the National Energy Efficiency Award ceremony at the BMICH scheduled to be held

from August 3 to 8, Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka stressed that if Sri Lanka did not change its energy policy based mainly on fossil fuel power generation, the production cost would rise to Rs. 180 a unit in the next 20 years.Sri Lanka will not construct any more coal power plants after the Sampur coal power plant that expects to generate 200 MWs scheduled to be commissioned in 2014. Sri Lanka will rest on renewable or sustainable energy for power generation hereafter.

“The future of power generation not only in Sri Lanka but in the entire world lies on renewable energy for several factors. The burning of fossil fuel for power generation in the last 60 to 70 years has caused irreparable damage to the world such as global warming, climate change, rising of the sea level, melting down of poles, floods and droughts accompanied by huge air pollution. If we are to save our own country and the global community from this impending disaster we will have to turn to renewable energy sooner than later as renewable energy is clean, cheap and resource bases are unlimited. The world will see the end of the production of fossil fuel within the next 40 to 50 years,” Minister Ranawaka said.

He said the government is determined to prevent power shortages in future despite the challenge to provide electricity to the entire country by 2012. Only 12% of the population had the access to electricity in 1980, 30% in 1990 and 60% in 2000.

“We have plans to provide 100% electricity to the entire country by 2012.We want it to be affordable and clean. Our Green Energy policy will seek the assistance of all stake holders – the government, policy planners, engineers, scientists, the private sector and the public to make this ambitious plan a success, Minister Ranawaka emphasized. Sri Lanka has the potential to generate 20,000 MWs of power which is more than enough for the national demand in the next five decades through renewable / green energy such as solar power, wind power and sea current. Sri Lanka can generate 2,500 – 5,000 MWs through wind power alone.

The Vidulka Energy Week, Exhibition and the Award Ceremony held for the first time on national  level is aimed at creating awareness among the public, state and private institutions on the dividends of saving of energy and the importance to turn to sustainable / renewable energy, Minister Ranawaka said.

Cabinet approves 65,000 t coal import

By Kelum Bandara

With the construction of the phase 1 of the Norochcholai Coal Power Plant nearing completion, the Cabinet has granted approval to import 65,500 tonnes of coal at US $ 7m, Government spokesman and Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said yesterday.

Briefing the media on Cabinet decisions, the Minister said the Cabinet decided to issue a Government Guarantee on behalf of Lanka Coal Company in this regard. Accordingly, a letter of credit to the value of Rs. 1 billion will be opened soon.

The decision had been taken on a recommendation by Power and Energy Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka.  Minister Ranawaka had taken steps in this regard taking into consideration a possible hike in coal prices by November.The Cabinet observes that it is necessary to have the first shipment of coal during the first week of November. The coal firing is scheduled for the last week of November, 2010.

Besides, Minister Rambukwella said the Cabinet decided to purchase 25 percent   of school uniform materials from local manufacturers   and to import the rest from China.