India planning underwater power line to Sri Lanka

India’s seeks to implement its first undersea power transmission project with Sri Lanka by 2014. The Power Grid Corporation will execute the project.

 The 250-300 km power link, including submarine cables over a stretch of over 50 km, will be jointly implemented by PowerGrid and Ceylon Electricity Board. The project is expects to start by 2014, accosrding to Sri Lanka News.

 “If everything goes well, the project will take off. But I am not sure about the timing, since we have to wait for a feasibility report. On the basis of the report, we will fine-tune the plan,” said Vidya Amarapala, CEB Chairman.
The possible spot for this linkage is between Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu and Talaimannar in Sri Lanka. The final decision on exact route will be taken by the two governments.

“It will be a direct link. There are similar grid connectivities in other parts of the world like the United Kingdom to Europe, the United States to Canada and East Europe to European grid. The technology for submarine transmission will be the same as these countries are using now,” Amarapala said.

“This might also be a strategic measure to counter the growing Chinese presence in Indian ocean. I don’t think a project in Sri Lanka would be financially viable, as it is not a favourite destination for private investors,” said Rupesh Sankhe, a research analyst with Angel Broking.

 The CEB, however, has a different take on this. “CEB expects this bilateral project to be beneficial for both countries. We want it to be balanced marriage,” Amarapala said.