Walapane Mini Hydro Power Plant
Mini hydropower plants are becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable source of energy. These small-scale plants have a capacity of less than 10MW and are typically located near water sources such as rivers, streams, and waterfalls. One such mini hydropower plant is located in Walapane, and uses the Kurundu oya Ella waterfall as its water source.
The Walapane mini hydropower plant has a capacity of 4.65MW, which is enough to provide electricity to approximately 5,000 households. The plant generates electricity by harnessing the power of falling water. Water from the Kurundu oya Ella waterfall is diverted into a channel that leads to a turbine, which spins and generates electricity. After passing through the turbine, the water is returned to the river, maintaining the natural flow of the river.
The Walapane mini hydropower plant is a great example of sustainable energy generation. It is a clean source of energy, meaning that it does not produce any greenhouse gases or other harmful pollutants. Additionally, it relies on a renewable resource – water – that is available year-round. Unlike other sources of renewable energy, such as solar or wind power, mini hydropower plants can generate electricity 24/7, according to the weather conditions.
The construction of the Walapane mini hydropower plant was not without its challenges. The project required extensive planning and design work to ensure that the plant could operate safely and efficiently. The project team also had to overcome logistical challenges related to the remote location of the plant and the rugged terrain of the area.
Despite these challenges, the Walapane mini hydropower plant has been a great success. It provides a reliable source of clean energy to the local community, and has helped to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels for energy generation. The plant has also had a positive impact on the environment, as it does not produce any harmful emissions or pollutants.
In conclusion, the Walapane mini hydropower plant is a great example of how sustainable energy generation can be achieved in a remote and challenging environment. By harnessing the power of falling water, this plant provides a reliable source of clean energy to the local community, while also helping to reduce the carbon footprint of the region.
Team Members – Walapane
Muloya Power Base- Muloya Mini Hydro Power Project
Muloya Power Base is a mini hydropower project that has a capacity of 3MW and is located in the Hanguranketha area with the water source from the Mol Oya stream. This project is a high-head project, meaning that it is located in an area with a relatively high elevation drop (150 m), which allows for the generation of electricity through the use of water turbines.
The project consists of a dam, which is used to create a reservoir of water that is then released through a canal to a forebay tank which then releases through a penstock. The penstock is a large pipe that carries the water from the reservoir to the power plant. The power plant is located at the base of the high head and houses the water turbines that generate electricity.
The Muloya Power Base project utilizes three Pelton turbines to generate electricity. Pelton turbines are a type of hydro turbine that is specifically designed for high-head projects, like the Muloya Power Base project.
The Pelton turbine works by using the high velocity of water to turn a series of buckets mounted on a wheel. The water is directed onto the buckets by a nozzle, which creates a high-pressure jet of water that hits the buckets and causes the wheel to rotate. The rotation of the wheel is then used to turn a generator, which produces electricity.
Each of the three Pelton turbines used in the Muloya Power Base project has a total capacity of 3MW. The turbines are housed in the power plant, which is located at the base of the high head. The water from the weir is directed through the penstock and onto the turbines, which then generate electricity that is fed into the national grid.
The use of Pelton turbines in the Muloya Power Base project is ideal for the high head location, as they are highly efficient and can operate at high speeds with minimal maintenance. Additionally, Pelton turbines are designed to operate with minimal impact on the environment, making them an ideal choice for renewable energy projects.
Overall, the use of three Pelton turbines in the Muloya Power Base project is a key component in the generation of clean and sustainable electricity for the surrounding communities. The project has also created job opportunities for the local community, with many individuals being employed in the construction and maintenance of the project..
One of the main advantages of the Muloya Power Base project is that it is a clean and renewable source of energy. The project does not produce any greenhouse gases, and has a minimal impact on the environment. Additionally, the project helps to reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels, which can be expensive and have negative impacts on the environment.
Team – Muloya
Proposed – Mahindagama 1 and Mahindagama 2 Solar Power Projects
The proposed solar power projects, Mahindagama 1 and Mahindagama 2, being developed by Castle A Solar Power (Pvt) Ltd and Polonnaruwa Solar Power (Pvt) Ltd, respectively, have the potential to significantly increase Sri Lanka’s renewable energy capacity.
With a capacity of 5 MW each, the projects are expected to generate a total of 10 MW of solar energy. This will help to reduce Sri Lanka’s dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to the country’s efforts to combat climate change.
In addition to their environmental benefits, the Mahindagama 1 and Mahindagama 2 solar power plants are also expected to have positive economic impacts. The projects will create job opportunities during their construction and operation phases, and they will also help to stabilize Sri Lanka’s electricity prices by reducing the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels.
Furthermore, the Mahindagama 1 and Mahindagama 2 solar power projects will contribute to the development of Sri Lanka’s renewable energy industry. The projects will serve as a model for future solar power developments, helping to create a more sustainable energy infrastructure for the country.
It is worth noting that the success of these projects will depend on several factors, including the availability of funding, the efficiency of the solar panels and other equipment used, and the effectiveness of the project management team. However, if these challenges can be addressed, the Mahindagama 1 and Mahindagama 2 solar power plants have the potential to be a major step forward in Sri Lanka’s transition to a greener, more sustainable future.
other objectives, doing seasonal cultivation on 33 acres, 1-acre nursery, reusing solar panel cleaning water to cropland, erecting sprinkler irrigation system
In addition to generating solar energy, the Mahindagama 1 and Mahindagama 2 solar power projects also have other objectives, such as promoting sustainable agriculture and water conservation.
Seasonal cultivation on 33 acres of land is an excellent way to make use of the land surrounding the solar panels. This practice not only promotes local agriculture and reduces transportation emissions but also helps to maintain the biodiversity of the area. The crops grown can be sold locally, creating a source of income for the local farmers and communities.
Moreover, the establishment of a 1-acre nursery will help to promote the growth of native plants, contributing to the conservation of local flora and fauna. This is important, as preserving local biodiversity is crucial to maintaining a healthy and sustainable ecosystem.
Another significant objective of the projects is to reuse the water used for cleaning the solar panels to irrigate the cropland. This approach will help to conserve water, a precious resource that is often in short supply in many parts of Sri Lanka. This strategy also demonstrates the importance of water conservation and sustainable water management practices, which can help to mitigate the effects of climate change and improve the resilience of local communities.