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The long-term Generation Expansion Plan 2015-2034 prepared by Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) was submitted to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) recently for approval.
The total estimated cost to implement the expansion and additions to this 20-year base case plan is approximately $ 6.6 billion, including the cost of development of non-conventional renewable energy.
The plan has been compiled based on the results of the latest electricity expansion studies conducted by the CEB for the planning period of 2015-2034.
The CEB’s plan presents a comprehensive view of the existing generating system, future electricity demand and future power generation options in the country. It also provides detailed information on generation planning methodology, system demand forecast and investment and implementation plans for the proposed projects.
According to this plan, the average annual growth rate of energy demand for next five years will be 6.24%, while average annual growth rate of peak demand for next five years will be 5.32%.
Therefore, the objective of the CEB’s plan is to cater to this forecasted demand growth by identifying the least expensive plant addition sequence, which is based on the most sustainable technology to provide the most cost-effective service and to avoid electricity shortfalls in the country.
In line with the estimated demand growth, installed capacity in the national grid will be around 4,800MW by the end of 2020.
In addition, the plan includes a timeline for the plant additions running parallel with demand growth.
The proposed energy mix for the next 20 years will consist of major hydro, coal, pumped storage hydro, combined cycle, oil and gas turbine plants.
According to the plan, when identifying the technology options from this generation mix, the smallest cost will be a major concern, while being environmental friendly will be an added value.
The methodology deployed in the study selects plant additions from given thermal as well as hydropower generation expansion candidates, which will, together with existing and committed power plants, meet the future electricity demand with a given level of reliability complying with National Energy Policy and Strategies.
In due course the plan serves as a guideline to facilitate decision-makers in making choices in line with national policy objectives, by exploring and evaluating various generation technology options in different situations. The commission has opened a public consultation on this plan as it wishes to get the opinions, views, alternative proposals and suggestions of all the related and interested parties to improve this plan and those will be taken into consideration appropriately when giving the commission’s decision on this. The commission’s decision on the plan will be published by the commission.
The plan is now available at www.pucsl.gov.lk for reference. A printed copy of this report also is available at the information centre of the commission. Those who are interested can submit their written comments/submissions to the commission by post, fax or e-mail. Even comments can be made online at www.pucsl.gov.lkbefore 21 September 2015.
Furthermore, the commission will hold a key stakeholders meeting on the plan. The venue and date of the meeting will be communicated once they are decided upon by the commission.
