Potential Options for Sustainable

Development Practices in the Electricity

System in the Event of Developing
Jaffna Peninsula

A report for Sustainable Development Course (CP 551)

Faculty of Engineering / University of Peradeniya

T. Jeyadarsan
20.05.2010

1
2
Executive Summary

The end of war in the Northern Province in Sri Lanka brings new
perspectives in towards development. Government has initiated an
infrastructure enhancement project called “Northern Uprising” in 2009. As the
electricity falls into the category of fundamental infrastructure, required
attention is high.

Modern development theory is at crossroads. It has been criticized for

not facilitating the mutual goals of economics, environment and social
concerns equally. Sri Lanka has become an oil-dominant power grid from the
hydro-dominant system as it used to be until early 1990s. Sri Lanka’s long
term electricity generation plan predicts to see Sri Lanka as coal-dominant in
2020. Yet Sri Lanka foresees a 10% target of renewable energy electrification.
This prospective research looks ahead to see the avenues to implement the
sustainable practices in the event of developing the power system. Jaffna
peninsula has been given electricity in the mode of managing the crisis for the
last fifteen years in the islanded separate grid which doesn’t connect the Sri
Lankan mainland electricity grid.

Jaffna has been identified to resourceful to have huge wind parks as revealed
by the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), United States of America.
Specifically the terrain of Poorneryn and the skirts of the sea lands are
identified to be resourceful for wind farms. Geothermal energy, prospectively
in the islands of Jaffna also gives some promises. Taping the solar energy
also possible in some parts.
But yet it is supposed to be understood even though the renewable
energy is taken for granted to be sustainable, local concerns and constrains
such as noise, livelihood differences and other indirect domains of pollutions
has to be measured with the clear research methodology. This research
would address the potential of tapping wind energy to meet the demand of
electricity in future in a sustainable manner.

3
Contents

Executive Summary: 3

1. Power system in Sri Lanka 5

1.1. Sri Lankan electricity system 5
1.2. Islanded nature and infrastructure of the power system in the Jaffna 5
1.3. Renewable energy target by the Sri Lankan Government. 5

2. The scope for the project development 7

2.1 Technology to tap the wind energy potential 7
2.2 Offshore and onshore wind farms 8
2.3 Available conditions and constrains 9

3. Sustainability concerns of the project 10

3.1 In the environmental perspective 10
3.2 In the economic perspective 11
3.3 In the social perspective 13

4. Conclusion and Recommendations 14

References 15

4
1. Power system in Sri Lanka

1.1. Sri Lankan electricity system

The generation, transmission and distribution of electric power is done
by Ceylon Electricity Board(CEB), which is the statutory body subjected to
Public Utilities Commission Sri Lanka(PUCSL) which has newly formed under
an Act of Parliament of Sri Lanka in 2002. Level of electrification is estimated
that 80% of the population has access to electricity from national grid in year
2007. Currently existing electricity generation schemes are mainly owned by
CEB with considerable share owned by the private sector. Unlike early
stages, the electricity demand is mainly supplied by thermal generations than
that of hydropower. A small capacity of other renewable sources than hydro,
such as wind, solar, dendro, waste heat and biomass are also connected with
the system. Annual electricity demand is increased by 10% of peek demand
which is calculated to150 MW.

1.2. Islanded nature and infrastructure of the power system in

the Jaffna Peninsula and the reliability concerns.
The 132kV transmission link between Chunnakam and Vavuniya in the
northern part of Sri Lanka is electrically disconnected with the main grid of
electricity after the escalation of violence and during 80s. Electrical
architecture was rebuilt in 1999 as an Islanded system with 8 MW thermal
power plant (Diesel) in Chunnakam. Other 35 MW power plants are hired from
private power suppliers to carter the electrical need of the Jaffna peninsula.
The reliability of the electric power supply was substantially lowered due the
Islanded condition and some unprecedented events. Power outages are
among common with other issues such as over/under voltage etc.
The construction of 132kV transmission line is underway to connect the
northern load with the national grid. Renovations of Highways and transport
facilities are currently undergoing.

1.3. Renewable energy target by the Sri Lankan Government.

It insists to include the barriers and challenges for the expected 10 %
generation of electricity in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has almost exhausted its large
hydro-power reserves. Apart from the 150-MW upper Kotmale hydro-power
plant, future hydro sources are more likely to be small or mini hydro plants

5
using the "run of the river" design. The United States' National Renewable
Energy Laboratory ("NREL") has confirmed the potential in many areas to
have good wind shatters. Another alternative Non-conventional Renewable
Energy Source (NCRES) is wood. At present, there are 2 such power plants
(i.e. 35 kW and 1 MW) in the country. Under the program on renewable
energy for rural economic development ("RERED"), solar energy panels are
given to rural households. A further option for Sri Lanka is to use solid waste.
Promise of wind power plants to achieve the above mentioned 10 %
target. As Sri Lankan mini hydro potential is to saturate in the years to come
(Roughly it is said that more than 150 MW power plants are commissioned
and it brings little more 50 % potential which can be commercially exploited).
Among the remaining options, biomass may satisfy a reasonable share of the
10 % target. Owing to the difficulty of utilizing solar in the economic terms,
wind power brings reasonable promise.
Many studies including the Sri Lanka Wind Farm Analysis and Site
Selection Assistance from, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL),
has indicated the prospective wind map of Sri Lanka, which intended to be
utilized in the power sector. Among them Jaffna region is identified to be a
strong territory of wind. Islands and coastal locations Near Jaffna City are
basis for resource score. NREL wind map identified wind resource potential
as Class 5 in limited areas but large enough for at least a 20-MW.
This project is an initiative to see the offshore wind power potential in
that region. It would depict the friendliness of offshore wind power plants for a
country like Sri Lanka in a more long-term sustainable nature. The stable
situation has induced the investments on various sectors such as industries,
trade centers, hotels etc. Slow and steady economy boom in the region will
heavily depend on the growing concerns of electricity supply and reliability.
Wind is the only promising indigenous renewable source that can be tapped
other than solar in that region.

6
2. The scope for the project development
2.1 Technology to tap the wind energy potential

Figure: 01 Wind turbine with the internal arrangement

The power output, P from a wind turbine, where ρ is the density of air (1.225
kg/m3), CP is the power coefficient, A is the rotor swept area, and U is the
wind speed. The power coefficient describes that fraction of the power in the
wind that may be converted by the turbine into mechanical work.

It has a theoretical maximum value of 0.593 (the Betz limit).

Main components of a windmill are blades, pitch bearings, rotor hub, gearbox,
generator, mechanical brake, tower, foundations and power control system.

7
2.2 Offshore and onshore wind farms
While Sri Lanka has started to generate land based wind power in Mampuri -
Puttalam, its land-based wind resources are limited as NREL mentioned.

Figure: 02 Offshore foundation technologies with means of water

depths(Source: Maryland’s Offshore Wind Power Potential1)

Although no offshore wind turbines have been installed in the Sri Lanka,
offshore wind power is a proven technology with more than 15 years of
operating experience in Europe. There is a signification variation in-between
the two technologies in the foundation work while remaining sections are
same.
Understanding the water depth at any potential offshore wind development
site is critical for determining the appropriate foundation technology to use.
Satellite bathymetric data will be used to analysis coastal waters based on
depth. The majority of project installations have used the shallow water
monopile2 foundation technology.
Higher wind speeds at sea mean an increased energy production, as energy
output is a function of the cube of the wind speed. Average offshore wind
energy increase ranges from 10-20%. Power output in offshore wind farms
are higher than onshore wind farm.

1 A Report Sponsored by the Abell Foundation and Prepared by the University of

Delaware’s Center for Carbon-free Power Integration, College of Earth, Ocean, and
Environment.
2 Water depth 0-35 m

8
2.3 Available conditions and constrains
In most areas of the country, the transmission lines have adequate capacity to
accommodate additional power from moderate sized generation projects
including wind. The exception is in northern Sri Lanka where much of the
electrical infrastructure has been damaged but reconstruction is underway as
the civil war ended.
Roads in the Northern region are under reconstruction and some years will
take to the final phase of completion. Since the transmission of the equipment
through land, routes are difficult; ship transportation can be used effectively.
Barge can be used to reach the intended shallow waters. It is very important
that, all the construction logistics are imported from outside of the country.
The geographical location of the Northern region favors to the transport of
construction logistics from neighboring country India. Unlike onshore,
constructions in offshore requires floating vessels so it is easier to get them
from neighboring country.
Inland wind farms acquire a lot of space. Narrow territories with higher
population intensity like Northern region, acquisition of vast amount of bare
lands will results serious impacts on future development and economy.
Increased demand for real estate will affect the site of the wind farm.

9
3. Sustainability concerns of the project
3.1 In the environmental perspective

Figure : 03 Selected site in the Northern region

Offshore wind energy has the added attraction that it has minimal
environmental effects and, broadly speaking, the best resources are
reasonably well located relative to the centers of electricity demand. Potential
impacts include avian mortality or behavioral disturbance, marine mammal
impacts, sensitive fish habitat disturbance, impacts on endangered species,
and others.
There are no designated shipping lanes in Palk straight right now. If Palk
straight is expended then ship traffic will be a problem. Site, which is selected
as mentioned in the Figure: 03, will have less effect on proposed shipping
route it. Danger to birds and bats has been a concern in some locations near
to the islands. However, studies show that the number of birds killed by wind
turbines is very low, compared to the number of those that die as a result of
certain other ways of generating electricity and especially of the
environmental impacts of using non-clean power sources. Unique Jaffna bat
species may appear to be at risk during key movement periods.
Studies on existing projects have shown that some foundations can act as
artificial reefs with a resultant increase in fish populations from the new food
supply. It has been suggested that the noise from the turbine travel
underwater and disturb sea life.Offshore wind farms are saved from natural

10
hazards like Tsunami. Since Sri Lankan costal areas were devastated by tidal
waves in 2002, there is a risk for the onshore infrastructure. The initial carbon
dioxide emission from energy used in the installation is "paid back" within
about 9 months of operation for offshore turbines.

3.2 In the economic perspective

Installation costs, connection costs, and maintain costs will be more difficult
and costly. Owing to the absence of a clear extensive research which would
portray the economics of offshore power plants, a case study is anticipated for
the comparison. Among the prospective locations identified around the world,
to find the suitable location comparable to Jaffna peninsula was considered.
Maryland of United States of America is selected due to its peninsula nature,
deep water strip as Jaffna region contains and the heavy deep sea around.

The case study is intended to reflect and

develop similar economic conditions. As
the offshore power plant materials are
expected to imported, including the
turbines and the electromechanical
equipments comparison of a developing
country like Sri Lanka and a developed
state like Maryland will not yield very
different result3

Fig. 04. Map of Maryland in USA

3 “State of the Cabon Markets 2009”, World Bank, 2009

11
Maryland researches indicate Government would have to pay 24.4
UScents/KWh. It translates to 27.79 Sri Lankan Rupees at 22nd Apr 2010
exchange rate.
The general argument is the line of the traditional development perspective. It
includes the development and the poverty mitigation is the topmost priority to
a developing country. Environmental and social concerns are expected to be
secondary. So the power plants such as coal and other thermal means are
encouraged due to its upfront cost beneficial nature.
In the Sri Lankan context: coal is expected to be 10-12 Sri Lankan Rupees
(SLR). Oil is in average 20 SLR. Natural gas and other means are more or
less in the order of 25 SLR. In the events of the above nature, immediate
calculations itself chases oil and natural gas plants out from the economics
compared to the offshore wind-power plants. Coal is said to very economically
competitive. But the serious concerns with the global warming concerns
change the equation very heavily. With the expectations more than 30 USD is
to be paid for a ton of CO2 emitted in the coming years, planning a clearly a
coal-dominant power system would be dangerous4. Here, offshore plants
bring the required promise. The carbon price paid as an offset to the
generation will make offshore power plants in Jaffna region more viable.
Monopolies in the wind turbine manufacture and installment causes
sustainable issues from the economical point of view. The wind at sea is
generally less turbulent than on land. Wind turbines located at sea may
therefore be expected to have a longer lifetime than land based turbines but in
some cases offshore wind farms has considerably less life.

4 Jeremy Firestone, Willett Kempton, Blaise Sheridan, Scott Baker, “ Maryland’s

Offshore Wind Power Potential”, Center for Carbon-free Power Integration, College of
Earth, Ocean, and Environment, University of Delaware,

12
3.3 In the social perspective
In order to reduce mechanical losses caused by interference between
turbine blades, a wind farm requires roughly 0.1 km2 (0.039 sq mi) of
unobstructed span per megawatt of nameplate capacity. Acquiring fertile
lands for such span of area is infeasible and it affects the likelihood of the
people who earns from the soil. The aesthetics alignment of offshore wind
farms are important feature which enhance the long horizon view but visual
strain is unavoidable.
There have been at least 40 fatalities due to construction, operation, and
maintenance of wind turbines, including both workers and members of the
public, and other injuries and deaths attributed to the wind power life cycle.
Noise(in audible frequency) has also been an important disadvantage which
will cause serious distractions in the concentration of the near by population.
Offshore wind farm significantly reduces the above issue. Fishery folk on the
above-mentioned area might feel inconvenience due to the interruption in their
habitual places. The negative impact on fishermen are less compared with
other interruptions in the sea. Apart from that, fisherman can use the wind
farm as a landmarks to identify their locations while in the stormy condition.
Collision of fishing boats with the tower of the windmill is possible but it can be
controlled by increasing the awareness among fisherman.

13
4. Conclusion and Recommendations
Prospective region is strongly recommended for immediate effect of
putting up wind farms by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
report. The security risks has posed severe restrictions and has postponed
the initiations to indefinite period but today, post war period paves a way to
tap the wind potential in that area. As a pioneering piece of work, analysis of
the sustainable issues as put forwarded. Regardless of immense capital cost
that is required to accomplish this project, it will significantly contribute to the
sustainable development of the region and the country too.

14
References:
a. Sri Lanka Wind Farm Analysis and Site Selection Assistance from,
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
b. A Report Sponsored by the Abell Foundation and Prepared by the
University of Delaware’s Center for Carbon-free Power Integration,
College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment.
c. “State of the Carbon Markets 2009”, World Bank, 2009
d. Wind Power in the United States: Technology, Economic, and Policy
Issues – CRS Report for congress
e. http://www.awea.org/
f. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_power

15