By: Staff Writer
July 06, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s long-standing ambition to link its power grid with India has entered a decisive stage, as the much-deliberated electricity interconnection project gains momentum. The move is expected to bolster energy security, stabilize the grid, and facilitate the integration of renewable energy—particularly wind power—into the national electricity system. With growing demand and a shift towards clean energy, this project marks a milestone in regional power cooperation.
The State-run Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) is preparing to make critical policy decisions following the submission of a joint technical feasibility report, according to CEB Chairman and Energy Ministry Secretary Prof. Udayanga Hemapala. He confirmed that technical teams from both countries have completed comprehensive site visits and evaluations. The findings of the report, once reviewed by the Government, will help determine the implementation roadmap.
The India-Sri Lanka grid interconnection has been under consideration for more than two decades. The initiative was first explored in 2002 through a pre-feasibility study conducted by Nexant, with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). In 2006, India’s Power Grid Corporation conducted an updated review, followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2010 between the two governments to initiate a full-scale feasibility study.
Over the years, extensive joint efforts between the CEB and India’s Power Grid Corporation have addressed the technical, financial, and regulatory aspects of the project. Route options ranging from overhead lines to undersea cables were examined. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) also supported the project by funding the economic and financial feasibility analysis.
The current plan, as recommended by the fourth Joint Working Group meeting, is to adopt a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) system with a ±320 kV, 2×500 MW link using Voltage Source Converter (VSC) technology. The system will run from Madurai in India to Mannar in Sri Lanka. The HVDC option was chosen for its ability to allow controlled power transfers, system stability, and reactive power support—important features for integrating intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar.
In a significant revision made in 2023, the Sri Lankan termination point was shifted from New Habarana to Mannar, enabling better utilization of the island’s wind energy potential. This adjustment also required re-evaluation of the undersea cable design due to the complexity of marine infrastructure.
The project will be implemented in two phases. Phase one, with a 500 MW capacity, is estimated at $1.225 billion and includes undersea cables capable of scaling up to 1,000 MW. Phase two will add another 500 MW based on future power exchange needs, aligning with Sri Lanka’s Long-Term Generation Expansion Plan (2025–2044).
