Norochcholai digs into dwindling coal stocks, two units slash generation
Plant’s output cut from 270 MW to 140 MW amidst dwindling stocks; energy analysts warn system remains “at a razor’s edge” By Ifham Nizam The Norochcholai coal-fired power plant is now digging into the last dredges of its coal stock, with two operational units forced to slash generation from around 270 MW to just 140 […]
The Norochcholai coal-fired power plant is now using the last remaining coal, with two units forced to reduce power generation from approximately 270 MW to just 140 MW on Sunday due to critically low fuel supplies, according to independent energy analysts and sources within the National System Operator (NSO). This sudden 130 MW reduction in coal generation has exposed the precarious state of Sri Lanka's power supply, as the plant only has coal reserves sufficient until Friday night.
An independent energy analyst told The Island that this is not how a coal plant should operate, questioning why the units were allowed to reach such critically low levels without earlier intervention. The analyst argued that at least one unit should have been unloaded around 10 days ago to conserve the remaining coal, which could have reduced the nation's reliance on more expensive diesel-fired generation.
The latest NSO generation figures reveal the continuous pressure on the system, with coal contributing only 282 MW during the night peak of 2,552.7 MW demand on Sunday, while hydro and thermal-oil generation accounted for 1,215.8 MW and 791.9 MW, respectively. The most pressing concern is the remaining coal stock at Norochcholai, which is estimated to last only until Friday night.
The arrival of the first shipment under the emergency arrangement is expected on Friday, September 4, but unloading will have to commence immediately if the plant is to avoid further significant reductions in output. However, rough sea conditions could pose additional challenges to unloading operations. Even with the arrival of the September 4 shipment, it will not completely eliminate the risk, as the next shipment under the new coal tender would need to begin unloading around September 15.
Any significant delay beyond that could force the Norochcholai units to operate at reduced output once again. The independent energy analyst emphasized that the situation should not be viewed merely as a question of vessel arrival times, as any further reduction in coal generation could directly impact the use of oil-fired power generation, potentially increasing the cost of electricity.
Written by urgent.news from The Island Sri Lanka's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
