Norochcholai fire doused before damage

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) yesterday said that a fire had broken out at the Norochcholai Coal Power plant and that it was doused with no damage to people or property.

A team of fire-fighters from the Kalpitiya Naval base was called on to bring the fire under control around 7.30 am on Sunday morning. The Air force helicopter assisted in the process as well. It was reported that the media were prevented from reaching the area by the Chinese workforce and with the support of the Air force the fire was eventually doused.

The Norochcholai power plant is still under construction and the CEB expects to generate 600 MW under phase II. It is scheduled to be completed by the latter part of 2013.

The total investment on phase II is around US$ 891 million which is provided by the Exim Bank of the Chinese Republic. The Sri Lankan Government is also to provide Rs. 10 billion for the power plant.

The main objective of the project is to cater to the increasing demand for electricity and to supply steady and low cost electricity to the National Grid. The total capacity of the Norochcholai coal power plant will be 900 MW.

The Norochcholai power plant is a lead project of the Government. It is hoped to enhance economic growth, poverty reduction and ensure balanced regional development through cost effective power sector development.

Pic by Hiran Priyankara