September 08, 2008

Australia to supply coal to Sri Lanka for power stations

It is reported that Australia is looking to supply coal to Sri Lanka's power stations and also provide clean coal and natural gas technology that can improve the efficiency of thermal generation.

Mr Greg French ambassador of Australia at Sri Lanka said that "The government of course has plans to develop coal fired power generation in Sri Lanka and we are very interested in following that up. We believe that we have the best product for firing those coal fired power generation stations as they come on line."

Mr French said that Australia is the world's top exporter of steaming coal for energy generation and coking coal for steel making. Australia is also building the first carbon dioxide sequestered coal fire power plant which will not emit exhaust gas to the atmosphere. He added that "Within a couple of years, Australia will have the worlds first carbon-neutral coal fired power plant. The energy sector has a very exciting area where we look forward to further cooperation."

Australia is also looking to get involved in liquid natural gas plants in Sri Lanka. The country was a major exporter of LNG. Mr French said that "We are also one the world's largest exporter's of liquefied natural gas. In both of those sectors we see significant opportunities in Sri Lanka."

Sri Lanka is already building a Chinese funded 300 MW coal plant in the Western coast of the island and plans are being made to build a joint venture 500 MW coal plant with India's National Thermal Power Corporation in the Eastern coast.