The Power System Strengthening and Renewable Energy Integration Project (PSSREIP), which aims to modernize Sri Lanka’s transmission network and facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the national power system, was officially launched yesterday (13).
The launch was marked by the commencement of construction of the Homagama 132/33 kV Grid Substation, under the patronage of Minister of Ports, Civil Aviation and Energy Hon. Anura Karunathilaka.
Implemented with a significant investment of USD 328.25 million through concessional financing from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the project will be implemented through Lanka Electricity Company (LECO) and the two fully government-owned successor companies of the Ceylon Electricity Board — National Transmission Network Services Provider (NTNSP) (Pvt) Ltd and National System Operator (NSO) (Pvt) Ltd.
The launch event was attended by NTNSP Chairman Mr. Nushith Kumaratunga, Chief Executive Officer Mr. N. S. Weththasinghe, Advisor Mr. Pubudu Niroshan, officials of the Ministry of Energy, chairpersons and officials of the successor companies, and industry experts.
New Homagama Grid Substation
The rapid development taking place in Homagama, Kottawa, Malabe and Horana has resulted in a significant increase in industrial and commercial electricity demand.
The new grid substation to be constructed in Homagama will provide the capacity required to meet this growing demand.
It will also help reduce the overloading currently experienced by the Pannipitiya and Kosgama substations, which supply electricity to these areas.
New Negombo Grid Substation
Under Package 1B of the project, a new 132/33 kV Grid Substation will also be constructed in the Negombo area.
This will help meet the growing electricity demand arising from tourism and industrial development in the Negombo region.
Furthermore, it will provide additional electricity capacity required for the expansion of Bandaranaike International Airport and the proposed Aero City project.
Benefits to the Public
The project will contribute to strengthening the national power system and creating the capacity required to meet future electricity demand.
It will also improve the reliability of the power system while strengthening security of supply and operational stability.
Furthermore, the project represents a significant step towards developing a stronger transmission network capable of integrating future renewable energy generation into the national grid.
In addition, it will help reduce voltage-related issues and facilitate infrastructure development driven by industrial, commercial and tourism-related requirements.
Future Plans
The construction of the Homagama and Negombo Grid Substations, launched yesterday , is scheduled to be completed within the next two years.
NTNSP also plans to construct and develop several additional grid substations and transmission systems.
Accordingly, plans are underway to construct a 220/33 kV Grid Substation in Mirigama and a 132/33 kV Grid Substation in Peliyagoda.
A 78-kilometre-long 132 kV double-circuit transmission line will also be constructed from Hambantota to Matara.
In addition, 132 kV grid substations and sections of 220 kV transmission lines with LILO (Line-In Line-Out) connections to other substations are planned to be developed.
A 2-kilometre-long 132 kV single-circuit underground transmission line will also be installed, providing an LILO connection from the Kelaniya–Kotugoda transmission line to the Peliyagoda Grid Substation.
Meanwhile, construction of the 220 kV underground transmission cable system from Kerawalapitiya to the Colombo Port also commenced last week.
Through all these initiatives, Sri Lanka’s journey towards a reliable power system and a stable energy future will be further strengthened.
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