Assupiniella

Assupiniella is a 4 MW run-of-river hydropower plant providing renewable energy to the Sri Lankan grid.

The plant

The Assupiniella plant is upstream of the Maha Oya River near Aranayake in the Kegalle District of Sri Lanka, about 110 km north east of Colombo. Commercial operations started in 2005.

Operation

The plant needs to operate all year round even during low flow conditions. The plant generates an average output of 17 GWh.

Construction

Construction work commenced in May 2003 and was completed in September 2005. Commercial operations started in November 2005.

Sustainable development

The project provided employment opportunities for the local communities during the construction phase and continues to do so during operation. There are currently about 15 people employed at the site, many of them recruited from the local community.

Assupiniella facts

Location: Aranayake, Kegalle District, Sri Lanka

Installed capacity: 4 MW

Type: Run-of-river

Average annual output: 17 GWh

Gross head: 215 m

Design flow: 2.2 m3/s

Equipment: Horizontal Pelton turbines, surface powerhouse, two generating units

Construction completed: September 2005

Commercial operation: November 2005

Capital cost: 3.6 MUSD

Power Purchase agreement: 2004 for 15 years

SN Power ownership: 30 %

Other equity owners: LTL Holdings 48 %, Lanka Ventures 16 %, Employees Trust 4 %

Partner: LTL Holdings Ltd