Corporates await ‘power wheeling’ process
Sri Lankan companies are awaiting power wheeling modalities where an entity is allowed to use electricity supply from different locations using the existing grid for payment at low energy costs.
This came after the cabinet approved a power wheeling facility that allows private entities to utilise the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) transmission network to transport electricity to different locations for a fee. This new facility enables electricity consumers to construct renewable energy plants like mini-hydro facilities and transmit the generated power through the CEB grid to other locations owned by the same party for personal use.
Officials in the manufacturing industry have expressed keen interest in this power-wheeling facility, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and power outages. Yohan Lawrence, Secretary General of the Joint Apparel Association Forum Sri Lanka (JAAF), stated that the industry is still advocating for this facility and is eagerly awaiting the release of the document outlining the operational details and procedures. Apparel companies like Brandix and MAS see the need for this.
“Brandix has invested extensively into rooftop solar at its manufacturing facilities in Sri Lanka, and are presently generating more power than what we consume. These facilities are now Net Positive. Incidentally, Brandix is the world’s first apparel manufacturer to achieve Net Zero carbon. As we look to expand operations, adding more renewable energy is vital. In this regard, power wheeling is an opportunity we would like to explore,” Brandix Group Managing Director, Hasitha Premaratne told the Business Times.
Other Brandix officials also agreed, saying that this is something they will pursue. Tea industry leader, Dilmah is also looking at power wheeling, officials said.
A development banker said that a few years ago power wheeling was very keenly looked at by many manufacturers owing to the crisis that the country was going through at the time. “The demand for it is not as large as it was, but still companies are inquiring. With declining interest rates, major manufacturers are sure to put up renewable energy plants and engage in power wheeling,” he said.
Power wheeling has been used in many countries like the United States, Germany, Japan, and the Philippines in their energy sector reform towards renewable energy.
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