Feb 19, Colombo: Dullas Alahapperuma, Minister of Power says in line with the Vision of Prosperity policy, the procurement process for the establishment of 20 new solar power plants centered on 20 grid substations in various parts of the country with a view to enhancing the contribution of renewable energy to the national grid has been completed.

Accordingly, it is proposed to construct these solar power plants under 5 packages comprising of 04 areas per package.

Accordingly, power plants will be established in Anuradhapura, Madampe, Vavunathivu, Athurugiriya, areas under package A, Beliatta, Horana, Polonnaruwa, Habarana areas under package B, Matara, Galle, Mahiyanganaya, Veyangoda areas under package C, Ampara, Deniyaya, Kosgama, Matugama areas under package D and Pannala, Mahawa, Kurunegala and Kolonnawa areas under the package E

Procurement for these projects has already been done in accordance with the international competitive bidding system. A discussion committee and five technical evaluation committees have been appointed by the Public Finance Department and the Cabinet to evaluate the bids.

The Pricing Committee appointed by the Cabinet of Ministers has determined the highest price per unit of electricity generated under procurement and has approved the awarding of tenders to the lowest bidder for the project on the recommendations of the Technical Evaluation Committee.

The Minister of Power and Energy said that the construction of these power plants will make a significant contribution to the national power grid with renewable energy and the target of 70% by the year 2023 could be achieved.