Sri Lanka mulls geo-thermal energy potential

Jul 12, 2010 - Asia Pulse - Energie Central

Sri Lanka intends to tap its geo-thermal energy potential and is reviewing its power generation plan to give more emphasis to renewable energy sources, the island's power minister said.

Minister of Power and Energy Patali Champika Ranawaka said government geologists have identified sites with potential to generate geo-thermal energy.

"Geo-thermal energy has not been considered so far. That's an energy source we hope to tap in future.

"The Geological Survey and Mines Bureau have identified 12 sites in Sri Lanka that have potential."

He said more emphasis would be given to developing renewable sources of energy to reduce the island's dependence on costly thermal power plants powered by imported petroleum products.

The previous generation plan focussed coal and fossil fuel-based power plants.

Ranawaka told a news conference renewable energy sources like wood has much potential with wood still supplying over half the domestic energy needs of the people.

Fossil fuels could run out in about four decades while their use is costly and causes pollution and global warming, he said, adding that the island needs to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions

"The long-term generation plan considers all these factors."

(LBO) bl