Vidullanka commissions 4mw Lower Kothmale Oya mini hydro power project
View(s):Vidullanka PLC, one of the pioneers in the Sri Lanka mini hydro power industry, commissioned its seventh mini hydro power project (MHPP) in Kothmale, Nuwara Eliya last week.
The Lower Kothmale Oya MHPP is a “Run of the River” type mini hydro power project which does not require the erection of a dam and storing the water, thus eliminating the adverse impact to the environment and the riparian eco system. The power plant utilises the flow of Kothmale oya, both from the environmental release of Upper Kothmale Power Project and its own catchment of 89 square kilometres.
The power plant consists of a 1,430 metre head race channel and an 870 metre penstock to convey the water mass to the turbines from the intake point. The flow fed into the turbines again released to the Lower Kothmale Oya at a lower elevation. The power plant would also reduce the carbon emission by 8,255 tons, the company said.
Vidullanka PLC adopts a strategy of teaming up with prominent players from the power industry and outside. The project company – Lower Kothmale Oya Hydro Power (Pvt) Ltd – is a joint venture with Jaywise Constructions Ltd.
Amana Bank PLC has provided the debt funding for the project, the statement said.