• Energy experts warn of impending power crisis, urge operation of Kelanitissa Combined Cycle Power Plant 

The former Chairperson of the Lanka Coal (Private) Limited Company, who was involved in the processes related to the importation of coal consignments for electricity generation, is to be summoned before the Parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committee on Infrastructure and Strategic Development.

This review took place when the Committee met in the Parliament recently under the Chairpersonship of S.M. Marikkar. Officials from the Energy Ministry and the Lanka Coal Company were summoned to attend.

Officials informed that samples from three coal vessels that arrived in Sri Lanka had been sent to India for quality testing, and that accurate information could be provided once the relevant reports are received.

Meanwhile, the Kelanitissa Combined Cycle Power Plant should be operated in order to compensate for the electricity generation loss suffered by the national power grid due to the importation of substandard coal, energy experts have stated. It is reported that the electricity generation capacity that can currently be supplied to the national grid has dropped significantly because the coal imported into the country does not meet the required standards. Citing recent statistics, energy expert Dr. Vidhura Ralapanawe noted that when all three coal power plants are operating at full capacity, a total of 810 mw is generated. However, due to the use of substandard coal, the maximum generation currently achievable is only about 715 mw. Accordingly, the country is losing approximately 95 mw per day. Dr. Ralapanawe emphasised that to fill this shortfall, electricity must be generated using petroleum-based fuels at a very high cost. According to reports, the said coal stock was used for power generation on 20 and 22 January. Energy experts further note that if the Kelanitissa Combined Cycle Power Plant is operated using naphtha, it would be possible to offset the generation losses suffered by the national power grid. However, experts warn that due to issues surrounding the quality of coal received under the controversial coal tender, Sri Lanka may be unable to import the coal required for this year before April. If this situation persists, the country could face a severe energy crisis. They also point out that coal procurement must be completed before the commencement of the monsoon season, as rough sea conditions from April to September will prevent coal unloading operations. Sri Lanka requires at least 60,000 metric tonnes of coal for electricity generation, to be transported via a minimum of 38 ships. Of this requirement, only about three ships have arrived so far. Approximately one-third of the country’s electricity consumption is generated by the Lakvijaya Coal Power Plant in Norochcholai. Experts warn that any reduction in output from its three generators would push the country into a serious power crisis.