There is a serious problem brewing with the operation of the Kelanitissa Combined Cycle Power Plant, with a capacity of 165 MW, which is on standby to meet any emergency requirements, while problems are emerging due to the non-availability of coal for the Norochcholaya power plant and the non-availability of fuel for the diesel power plants. In addition, hydropower generation is also facing issues due to the non-availability of ample volumes of water. A.G.U. Nishantha, President of the Ceylon Electricity Board Technical Engineers and Officials Association, said.
He says that the attention of those responsible, including the Public Utilities Commission, should be drawn immediately to the emerging crisis in the power sector.
He says that in reality, there is a serious issue relating to the operation of the Kelanitissa combined cycle power plant, which has been deliberately concealed by some groups.
Speaking to Lankasara on an inquiry about this, the President of the union also said:
“The Kelanitissa Combined Cycle Power Plant collapsed in 2019 because of damage caused to the two axles of the power plant generator. Both of these axles were damaged at the same time, and it still remains a problem.
However, these machine parts were sent first to the state of Dubai and then to India for maintenance. It took more than 18 months to bring them back to Sri Lanka.
“The bearing and rotor of the machine were damaged when the generator was put into operation after installing the repaired parts,” raising doubts as to whether the electrical and mechanical engineers properly accomplished their duties while installing the parts to the generator. This damage was more serious than the original damage caused to the axels.
“This situation led to a serious discussion in the country. A Chinese team was brought in. But there wasn’t a proper solution.
As engineers, we know the actual situation here. The generators have run for less than 800 hours since the repair. As far as we know, this generator can still not run continuously for an hour or two. There is a lot of vibration. That means there is an acute problem relating to the equilibrium of the generator.
This is what we mean. The country is facing a power crisis. In such a situation, this plant, which is ready to be added to the system, is in serious trouble. The truth is very bitter. Therefore, as an association, we strongly urge that a follow-up should be done to determine that the expected generation from the Kelanitissa combined power plant could be achieved safely in an emergency.
Because as soon as this plant is added to the system, there is a high risk of a breakdown and its removal from the system again.
This is the only power plant that can use the naphtha produced at the Sapugaskanda oil refinery as a fuel. If this is not used, the naphtha will have to be sold at a very low price. The same thing happened during the last maintenance period. As an association, we request the responsible parties, including the Public Utilities Commission, to obtain an accurate assessment of the generating capacity of this plant by an independent team.
Ceylon Electricity Board Technical Engineers and Officials Association Chairman A.G.U. Nishantha added.
