VATIS UPDATE Article

Sri Lanka’s Cabinet of Ministers has given a go ahead to the development of a hybrid renewable energy project in Punarin, which includes 240 megawatts (MW) of wind and 800 MW of solar. The move is in line with the Sri Lankan government’s plans to significantly expand renewable energy sources’ share of the nation’s power mix. The Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) has identified the northern regions of the country as a suitable location to construct wind and solar power plants.

Under the proposal, the construction of the hybrid energy park will be built in 3-phases spanning two years. The government recently unveiled its policy to add a considerable amount of electricity to the national grid through renewable energy sources. Ceylon Electricity Board has set a target to increase electricity produced by renewables from the 10% generated today, to 17% by the end of 2019. In March, the Cabinet announced the nation will issue an international tender to set up a 100 MW floating solar plant on the Maduru Oya Reservoir.