sri Lanka
(Photo : https://www.energy.gov.lk/en/)
Solar projects
  • Sri Lanka's Cabinet has approved a proposal for floating solar power plants in three reservoirs.
  • The government will select investors through a competitive bidding process.
  • A feasibility study has been conducted, ensuring the projects' viability.
  • This move aligns Sri Lanka with the global trend towards renewable energy.

In a significant move towards sustainable energy, the Sri Lankan Cabinet has given the green light to a proposal aimed at identifying investors for the development of floating solar power plants in three of the country's reservoirs. This decision, approved on September 14, marks a pivotal moment in the nation's journey towards renewable power generation.

The Sri Lankan government's information department confirmed the news on Saturday, stating that the Cabinet had approved the selection of investors through a competitive bidding process. This decision underscores the government's commitment to renewable energy, as it seeks to harness the power of the sun to generate electricity.

Sri Lanka's Strategic Move Towards Renewable Energy

The government's focus on floating solar power projects is a strategic move aimed at increasing renewable power generation. By utilizing the country's reservoirs, the government is not only tapping into a renewable energy source but also making efficient use of available space.

This innovative approach to power generation could potentially revolutionize the country's energy sector. Three main reservoirs - Randenigala, Moragahakanda, and Kalawewa - have been earmarked for these projects. The Sri Lanka Mahaweli authority, the largest multi-purpose national program in the country, has identified these reservoirs as suitable locations for the development of floating solar power plants.

Investor Selection and Project Feasibility

The responsibility of selecting investors for these projects has been entrusted to the Ceylon Electricity Board. The board will follow a competitive procurement procedure, ensuring a fair and transparent process. This approach will not only attract potential investors but also ensure that the projects are economically viable and beneficial to the country. A feasibility study for these projects has already been conducted, according to the government's information department.

The study's completion is a crucial step in the project's development, as it provides a comprehensive analysis of the project's viability, including technical, economic, legal, and operational aspects.

Global Trend Towards Renewable Energy

This initiative by the Sri Lankan government is not an isolated event but part of a global trend towards renewable energy. Countries around the world are increasingly recognizing the importance of renewable energy in combating climate change and ensuring energy security. For instance, China, the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has also embarked on a similar path, developing the world's largest floating solar power plant in 2017.

In conclusion, the Sri Lankan government's move to develop floating solar power plants is a significant step towards renewable energy. The decision to identify investors through a competitive bidding process ensures transparency and fairness, while the selection of the three reservoirs for the projects demonstrates a strategic use of resources.

With the feasibility study already completed, the projects are well on their way to becoming a reality.