NTPC-CEB to jointly implement 135-MW project
India and Sri Lanka have agreed to jointly build in two stages a 135-megawatt solar power plant in the island nation’s eastern port district of Trincomalee to promote renewable energy.
“The National Thermal Power Corporation of India (NTPC) and the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) have entered into an agreement to jointly implement a solar power project in two stages,” said a note from the Cabinet meeting.
The Sri Lankan Cabinet approved the project to be part of the country’s aim to generate 70% of its electricity requirement by 2030 from renewable energy sources.
A 50-MW first stage solar project is expected to cost US$42.5 million. It will also have a US$23.6 million 220 kilowatts transmission line with 40-km length from Sampoor to Kappalthure by 2024 to 2025, according to a report from Colombo.
A US$72 million solar plant with an additional 85 megawatts is expected to be constructed under second stage.
The Indian government has expressed willingness to promote and strengthen cooperation in the renewable energy sector by operating and facilitating power generation projects utilising solar and wind power, including coastal wind and biomass, according to the note released after the Cabinet meeting this week. fiinews.com
