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Sapugaskanda160 MW Oil

Oil

Ranked as the 7th largest power generation facility in Sri Lanka, Sapugaskanda plays a pivotal role in the country's energy landscape, contributing 4.30% to the national capacity of 3,717 MW. This oil-fired plant, with a generation capacity of 160 MW, is significant among the 47 total plants in Sri Lanka, especially given the country's dominant reliance on hydroelectric power. Located near Colombo, the facility was commissioned in 1984 and is operated by the Ceylon Electricity Board. Its operational history underscores its importance in stabilizing the national grid. Sapugaskanda is strategically positioned within a cluster of oil plants that includes the CEB Kelanititissa with a capacity of 382 MW, and the Yugadanavi plant, which generates 300 MW. This proximity to larger facilities reinforces its role in the regional energy supply. Comparatively, the Sojitz Kelanitissa plant, also nearby, has a capacity of 168 MW, while Kukule Ganga, a hydro plant, provides 80 MW. The average capacity of oil plants in Sri Lanka hovers around 186 MW, making Sapugaskanda slightly below average but still a crucial player in the local energy mix. With oil being the fourth most significant fuel type in the country, Sapugaskanda's contribution is vital for energy diversity. Looking ahead, this facility will continue to support Sri Lanka's energy needs, especially during peak demand periods, while further discussions on transitioning to renewable sources may shape its future role.

Capacity
160 MW
Commissioning Year
1984

42 years old

Owner
Ceylon Electricity Board
Location
6.9610°, 79.9608°

Sri Lanka, Asia

Location

Coordinates:: 6.961000, 79.960800
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Carbon Footprint650 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
318.9 Kt
491 GWh/year × 650 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
13.39 Mt
Over 42 years of operation
Past Retirement
2014
12 years past expected retirement
Annual emissions equivalent to
69.3K
cars per year
42.5K
homes per year
14.5M
trees to offset

Estimates based on Oil emission factor (650 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (35%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Oil
Energy Source
Non-Renewable
Country
Sri Lanka
Continent
Asia
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

Sri LankaEnergy Profile

47
Total Plants
3.7 GW
Total Capacity
HydroOilCoalWind
Top Fuels

An Overview of Oil as a Power Generation Energy Source

Oil power generation involves the combustion of oil to produce electricity. The process typically begins with the extraction and refining of crude oil, which is then burned in a power plant to create steam. This steam drives turbines connected to generators, converting thermal energy into electrical energy. Oil power plants can vary in design, including steam turbine plants, gas turbine plants, and combined cycle plants, which utilize both gas and steam turbines to enhance efficiency. As of now, there are 2,416 oil power plants worldwide, distributed across 108 countries, with a total installed capacity of 286.9 gigawatts (GW).

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