Sri Lanka building first state owned solar power plant

With massive development projects taking place in Sri Lanka’s southern port town of Hambanthota, the government has taken an initiative to build the country’s first state owned solar power plant.

The project which will cost a sum of US$13.5 million will be built at Buruthakanda in Hambanthota. The proposed power plant which is funded by Korea and Japan will contribute 900kw of energy to the national grid.

The Korean International Co-operation Agency will give US$ 4.5 million as an outright grant.

The Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) which will sell the power to the Ceylon Electricity Board, and will use the revenue to promote rural electrification.

A spokesman for SLSEA said that the project will commence this year and will play a major roll in generating power in the region.

“The revenue generated from this project will be channeled to the rural electrification programme of the SLSEA which has already identified 12 rural villages for immediate implementation. More than 100 families of the most vulnerable section of the community can be provided with a basic electricity supply every year,” he said.

Last year the cabinet approved the Japanese grant for solar power generation which was given by Japan to encourage the Sri Lankan government’s efforts to address climate change and access to clean energy.

However, during the drought, when water levels in hydro power reservoirs drop, the country has no option but to fall back on high cost imported petroleum, to generate electricity.

Sri Lanka’s hydro capacities are also seen as inadequate to feed the annual demand for electricity.

Hambanthota which is the hometown of President Mahinda Rajapaksa will also be having Sri Lanka’s second international Airport which is at present under construction. The government is also striving towards completing the 1st phase of the international harbour in Hambanthota towards the end of this year.

Recently Hambanthota that submitted bids to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games is up against the Gold Coast in Australia. If Hambanthota is selected, it will mark the first time the games are held in Sri Lanka.

- Asian Tribune -