Construction work on the second 220kV underground transmission cable system between the Kerawalapitiya Grid Substation and the Colombo Port Grid Substation commenced today (06), marking a major step in the modernisation of the national electricity transmission network.
The project was launched under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Energy Arkam Ilyas at the Kerawalapitiya Grid Substation premises.
Funded through a US$52 million loan from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the project includes the construction of a 16-kilometre underground transmission line between Kerawalapitiya and Colombo Port, along with upgrades to the relevant substations and the installation of control systems.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister Ilyas said the existing transmission line, commissioned in 2019, would not be sufficient to meet the growing electricity demand in Colombo, including the Colombo Port City development.
He noted that the new transmission line would improve the reliability of the power system and provide an alternative route to maintain electricity supply during maintenance work or unexpected disruptions.
The project will also facilitate the integration of electricity generated by the Kerawalapitiya LNG power plants into the national grid and support the transmission of renewable energy generated in the Northern and Eastern Provinces.
Modern construction methods will be used to minimise disruptions to the public, as the transmission route passes through densely populated urban areas.
The project is the first transmission system initiative to be implemented by the fully state-owned National Transmission Network Service Provider (NTNSP) Company.
Science and Technology Minister Krishantha Abeysena, Energy Ministry Secretary Russell Aponsu, NTNSP Chairman Nushith Kumaratunga, NTNSP Chief Executive Officer Nandana Venkatasinghe and other officials attended the event. (Newswire)