India, Sri Lanka renew effort to connect power grids

India and Sri Lanka have decided to renew their efforts regarding the longstanding power grid connectivity between the two nations for the purpose of electricity trading. The commencement of the process of updating an elaborate project report for the connectivity, whether via an overhead line or an undersea cable in the sea section of the connectivity, has been confirmed following a meeting on the proposal the previous month. Individuals acquainted with the subject have provided this information. As per their information, the draft detailed project report is anticipated to be completed by September 15. Subsequently, it will be deliberated upon by both parties for finalization. The people have stated that Sri Lanka intends to conduct the essential load flow analyses for the 2027-28 timeframe of its network, taking into account the potential 500 MW power exchange from India through the proposed connection. Meanwhile, India will examine the required load flow analyses using the combined network data based on inputs from the Sri Lankan side. This task is projected to conclude by August 21. Subsequently, the reports will be subjected to discussion with officials within the joint technical team. This team was established in 2016 and consists of members from the Central Electricity Authority, Power Grid Corporation of India, and the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB). The plan for cross-border interconnection has been a topic of conversation for nearly twenty years. People knowledgeable about the matter have indicated that the project's high costs have been a hindrance, rendering it financially unviable. Also read:  NTPC, SJVN, Hinduja Win RUMSL's Phase II Solar Auction BluPine and ACME Winners in RUVNL's 1.2 GW Solar