HOW HVDC LINK WITH INDIA SHIELDS SRI LANKA

Energy Security in an Uncertain World:

- By Dr. Manilka Jayasooriya

Cross-border energy trade shields nations from fossil fuel shocks, supply risks, and regional instability. A High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) interconnection between Sri Lanka and India could transform energy security, resilience, and cooperation amid global volatility. This article examines how HVDC and grid integration embodies advance modern energy security for Sri Lanka’s future. The four pillars of energy security Availability, Accessibility, Acceptability and Affordability are all addressed here.

AVAILABILITY: access to India’s diverse grid multiplies resources.

ACCESSIBILITY: HVDC ensures flexibility during peaks and renewables variability.

ACCEPTABILITY: integration reduces emissions and supports sustainability.

AFFORDABILITY: cross-border exchange lowers costs, curbs volatility, and eases infrastructure burdens.

The planned HVDC link will be a +320 kV bipole line running roughly 285 km between Madurai and Anuradhapura, incorporating around 50 km of submarine cable under the Palk Strait. The initial phase targets a transmission capacity of 500 MW, soon to be upgraded to 1,000 MW to accommodate future growth. Implementation is spearheaded by India’s Power Grid Corporation and Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) based on exhaustive technical reviews, site evaluations, and international best practice.

Key facts:

Estimated cost: about $1.2 billion expected completion by 2030.

+ Technology: Voltage Source Converter HVDC system.

+ Purpose: Enables both nations to import/export electricity according to seasonal surpluses and deficits, optimising renewables and grid stability.