Renewable energy to beat blackouts in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is today finding it hard to pay for imported fossil fuels to light up homes across the country whereas renewable energy sources can at a lower cost generate required electricity but state agencies are stalling these efforts. As a result local investors are moving to South Africa to light up those homes.
Wind Power Developers Association Secretary Manjula Perera addressing a media briefing in Colombo on Tuesday said that the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has a sufficient number of power plants to supply energy but does not have sufficient money to purchase the fuel.
He noted that about 70 per cent of energy could be provided through Non Conventional Renewable Energy (NCRE) sources by 2030 according to the government gazetted targets. Out of this 40 per cent could be generated from the large hydro sources and only 30 per cent from the wind, solar and small hydro projects in operation.
However, in a bid to ensure that these could be achieved, he pointed out that the authorities need to fast track the relevant approval processes and the remove restrictions imposed on the sector to import required machinery to establish these projects.
Following a study by the Asian Development Bank and the CEB it has been found that the present system could absorb only 25 per cent of renewable energy.
Prices indicate that cost for renewable energy is much less at Rs.8.23 per KWh than paying the price of Rs.28.64 per KWh for thermal oil or Rs.24.95 per KWh for making coal purchases, Mr. Perera explained.
At present about 600 applications have been submitted for the Expression of Interest opened calling for renewable energy based projects above 50 MW.
“We request the government to select locals to develop this sector,” he noted adding that this could contribute 500 MWs to the main grid and reach 1000 MW from NCRE within the next two years.
Small Hydro Power Developers Association President Thusitha Peiris said that despite the warnings the authorities have overlooked their proposals.
Sri Lankan investors have incurred monies in commencing renewable energy sources but as there is no state patronage for these some have now successfully opened up operations in South Africa to provide hydro projects.
Bio Energy Developers Association President Chamil Silva highlighted the farming of gliricidia plants that is a form of bio fuel and could also contribute to the rural development of the country as well.
At present there are a total of 294 private sector renewable energy developer projects which have been commissioned. These projects have combined capacity of 718.334 MW. The total number of projects needs to increase drastically, for the county to reap the full benefits of renewable energy.