News
CEB engineers: SL needs LNG-coal cake with wind-solar icing
By Ifham Nizam
* The Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers Union (CEBEU), despite their pledge to stick to the 70 percent renewable energy target laid down by the government, are now hinting that coal power generation has to be stepped up to avert a power crisis.
CEBEU Secretary Dhammika Wimalaratne told The Island that however they were planning to achieve as much renewable energy as possible.
“The current target is 70% renewables by 2030. We need upfront investments for battery storage of 1.5 billion USD and 1.3 billion USD for Transmission network upgrade. CEB Engineers are ready to achieve this target, but do we have the requisite finance?
“To achieve this target we need to increase solar from 425MW to 4000MW. Wind from 250MW to 1500MW.”
The CEBEU Secretary stressed that they also needed large plants such as those run by LNG and Coal to provide the base load. “The proposed fourth unit at Norochcholai, which is just an addition of 300MW to the grid, will be a vital cushion if allowed to be built. We need an LNG and coal cake with solar and wind icing, “he added.
“Sri Lanka is proud to be a co-lead of the “Global Energy Compact for No New Coal Power”, said President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, addressing the World Leaders Summit – COP 26 held in Glasgow, Scotland, last year.
Energy Expert Dr. Vidura Ralapanawa, in his blog said that although CEBEU representatives said on the Hiru Balaya programme that they were supporting the national policy target of 70% renewable energy by 2030, their real agenda was to try and revive a long cancelled coal plant at Sampur, Trincomalee.
He claimed in his blog that typically, a coal plant took 7-10 years to build. “It is ridiculous to even imagine this will solve any of our current problems. This strategy will not remove our power woes, but will keep us in blackouts and locked into expensive power costs for decades. The CEBEU’s emergency power friends will be very happy.“
Voting commenced at 7.00am to elect members to 339 local councils in the island.
Voting is being held at 13,579 polling centers and will end at 4.00 p.m.
Vietnamese President Luong Cuong warmly welcomed President Anura Kumara Disanayake during an official ceremony held in Hanoi on Monday (05) morning
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was accorded a ceremonial welcome with full military honours upon his arrival at the Presidential Palace of Vietnam. He also took part in the inspection of the Tri-Forces Guard of Honour and the playing of the national anthems of Vietnam and Sri Lanka. The two leaders then introduced members of their respective delegations before proceeding for bilateral discussions during which both nation assessed their progress, explored avenues for future collaboration and signed Memoranda of Understanding.
Vietnam and Sri Lanka have upheld robust and enduring ties since they established diplomatic relations in 1970. and this visit aims to strengthen political trust and foster effective collaboration across multiple sectors between the two nations.
Sri Lanka and Vietnam engage in annual bilateral trade, primarily in exports, totalling around US$200 million. Both nations aspire to elevate this trade to US$1 billion in the near future.
President Dissanayake’s visit highlights Sri Lanka’s deep commitment to its longstanding friendship with Vietnam and demonstrates a mutual resolve to enhance collaboration in traditional sectors while exploring new opportunities in digital transformation, the digital economy, energy transition, artificial intelligence and connectivity.
[PMD]
Latest News
Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central provinces and Monaragala district
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology At 3.30 p.m. 05 May 2025, valid for 06 May 2025
The public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-western, and North-central provinces and Monaragala district
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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