Energy: Govt. enters talks on regional power grid

Read the full article here.

Sri Lanka has entered official-level discussions on connecting its electricity grid to a wider regional power network under an Asian Development Bank (ADB)-backed regional initiative, although the Government is yet to take a policy decision on joining the proposed cross-border electricity system, The Sunday Morning learns. 

Ministry of Energy Secretary G.M.R.D. Aponsu confirmed that Sri Lanka was participating in the ongoing discussions on the proposed regional electricity connectivity initiative, which seeks to explore greater integration among South Asian electricity grids, with connectivity extending towards Myanmar in Southeast Asia while excluding Pakistan. 

However, Aponsu stressed that Sri Lanka’s participation in the discussions did not amount to a final commitment to join the proposed network, with a policy-level decision still required from the Government. 

The development marks a potentially significant expansion of Sri Lanka’s discussions on cross-border electricity connectivity, which have thus far largely centred on the long-proposed bilateral grid interconnection with India. 

Sri Lanka and India are now participating in the wider regional discussions despite earlier negotiations over their bilateral grid interconnection having stalled. 

The latest discussions take place against the backdrop of the ADB’s Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative (PAGI), a flagship regional programme aimed at strengthening energy security and facilitating cross-border electricity trade through greater integration of electricity systems. 

Source: Wikipedia