PUCSL denies approval for 484 MW wind power plant deal
June 23, Colombo (LNW): The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka has declined to grant approval for the allocation of the 484 MW wind power plant in Mannar and Pooneryn to Adani Green Energy SL Ltd. (AGESL).
The decision came as the Commission found that the information provided by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) was insufficient to assess the project’s cost-effectiveness and technical suitability.
In a communication addressed to the Acting General Manager of the CEB, the PUCSL highlighted several crucial gaps in the submission:
- Timetables for the proposed Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between the CEB and AGESL
- A signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Government of India
- Confirmation from the Attorney General’s Department regarding MoU approval subsequent to Cabinet endorsement in March 2022
- Specifics on the construction and funding recovery of the 400 kV transmission line from Kilinochchi to Habarana, along with associated cost recovery mechanisms
- Financial bids for the 50 MW wind farm in Mannar
- Rationale for applying identical “plant factor” figures for both Mannar and Pooneryn
- Outcomes from the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) conducted by the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), alongside particulars of the environmental licence
The PUCSL’s correspondence urged the CEB to furnish additional details, including the aforementioned documents and findings from an interconnection and operational evaluation.
The Commission stipulated that its approval hinged on the CEB’s provision of these particulars and justifications.
