Even if they have relatively low overall efficiencies, generation plants operating on conventional steam cycle are based on proven technology, refined over several decades. It is also important to note that there are many well-established manu­facturers throughout the world using this technology including some within the South Asian region. Typical capacities offered with this conventional technology vary between lOOkW and a few hundreds of MW. Reliability of these plants tends to be relatively high and the technical know-how is widespread among many users. Spare parts are widely available as the technology is well established. Considering these factors, plants operating on conventional steam cycle technology seem to be more appropriate for Sri Lanka.

Economics

According to the economic analysis presented in the report, the energy costs associated with biomass-based plants operating on conventional steam cycle techno­logy are comparable with those of large conventional gas turbine plants presently operating on auto diesel. With declining capital costs of biomass-based plants, particularly those from manufacturers in the South Asia region the overall costs are likely to come down in the near future. As a result, biomass-based electricity gene­ration can become competitive in the Sri Lanka electricity generation system where fossil-fuel-based generation has become a significant component.