Hearing of a breakdown at the Norochcholai Power Station is not really ‘news’ anymore. It has happened so much and so often, it’s like a normal day in Sri Lanka for most people.
By now you may have guessed what this story is about. And chances are you called it right. -Generator 1 at the Norochcholai Power Station has broken down. Again.
The Generator was powered down around 10:10 am on Monday due to a vapor leak from the boiler.
The Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy says the electricity supply from the Ratnapura, Mathugama, Kosgama and Panadura Sub Stations were cut-off for 15 minutes to maintain balance on the grid.
Incidentally, Norochcholai houses another generator which is not in an operational state. The plant’s Generator 3 is currently down due to maintenance work.
The only functioning generator at present is the 300 Megawatt Generator 2.
According to the Ministry of Power & Renewable Energy, there are four other power stations which are currently supplying energy.
- Kelanitissa power station (Thermal)
- Sapugaskanda power station (Thermal)
- E.S. Kelanitissa Power Station
- Embilipitiya Power Station
“We will have to wait for three days until the temperature reduces. Only then can we assess the extent of the leak and see how long it will take for repairs. Maybe it can be repaired in an hour. But it will take three days for the temperature to reduce so we can say for sure.” Media spokesperson – Ministry of Power & Renewable Energy
