Sri Lanka's Renewable Energy Landscape
Sri Lanka has been rapidly expanding its renewability horizons in recent times, and new milestones are being reached every year. The main renewable energy sources Sri Lanka has been exploring in the past years are hydro energy, wind energy, solar energy, energy produced by biomass, and geothermal energy. Here’s how Sri Lanka’s renewable energy portfolio has developed recently.
Hydropower
Hydropower is a renewable, sustainable energy source for many reasons. According to the IPCC (The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), have low operational greenhouse gas emissions, 24 grams of CO2 per kilowatt-hour (g CO?/kWh) to be exact. The International Hydropower Association cite studies showing that hydropower emits significantly less GHGs than fossil fuels or even solar and wind sources when considering the full lifecycle (construction, operation, and decommissioning). A 2021 report by The World Bank also highlights the low carbon footprint of hydropower production.
With cascading rivers and abundant water resources, Sri Lanka has strategically invested in hydropower as a major player in its renewable energy portfolio. According to the CEB, as of 2022, 42% of the total energy, 6,741 GWh, produced in Sri Lanka was done using hydropower. WindForce has contributed significantly to the hydropower sector of Sri Lanka, with our plants Energy Reclamation, Terraaqua International, Terraaqua Kokawita, Melanka power plant, Peak Power Delta and HPD power generating sustainable hydro power that contributes greatly to the national grid.
Wind Energy
Wind is an abundant resource, and harnessing its kinetic energy and producing electricity is one of the most sustainable energy practices there is. Much like hydro power, it has minimal greenhouse gas emissions. According to the EPA, wind energy produces roughly 11 g CO2/kWh of electricity generated, compared with about 980 g CO2/kWh for coal.
Additionally, wind energy plants have a minimal land footprint according to Our World in Data, meaning they occupy little space compared to other types of power plants, and the surrounding land can be utilized for other purposes like agriculture. Wind energy plants also use significantly less water than other types of power plants as water is not utilized to cool turbines.
Sri Lanka's coastal regions are a treasure trove of wind energy potential. According to the 2022 Sales and Generation report by the CEB, non-conventional wind energy generation increased from 646 GWh in 2021 to 723 GWh in 2023. This signifies an 11.9% increase in wind-generated energy. The 8 wind power plants maintained by WindForce, the Seguwanthivu plant, Vidathamunai plant, Nirmalapura plant, Daily life plant, Powergen plant, Joule and Beta plants as well as the recently added Hiruras plant have significantly contributed to this increase in wind energy production.
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Solar Energy
Solar energy is an energy source that equatorial countries like Sri Lanka should focus on. Installing solar photovoltaic systems may emit some greenhouse gasses, but in the long run, solar energy is a vastly sustainable and reliable source. The life cycle greenhouse gas emission analysis done by the NREL by the US Department of Energy gives a clear understanding of how little greenhouse gasses are released by comparing the environmental impact of using fossil fuel vs. solar power as an energy source is highlighted here.
In a country blessed with abundant sunlight, solar power has emerged as a key player in the renewable energy landscape. Solar panels on rooftops and solar farms dotting the landscape contribute to solar energy generation. Rooftop solar generation was increased by 36% from 389 GWh in 2021 to 530 GWh in 2022 according to reports by the CEB. WindForce has been involved in various solar energy projects, like rooftop solar projects, ground solar plants and innovative agrovoltaic systems.
Exploring Biomass Energy and Geothermal Energy
Sri Lanka recognizes the potential of biomass as a renewable energy source. Biomass-generated power, along with wind, solar, and municipal waste represented 11% of the total energy produced in 2022.
Sri Lanka's geothermal potential is an exciting area that’s yet to be explored. Many geothermal springs are scattered across the island, meaning that the potential for geothermal energy production is a path full of potential waiting to be explored.
A greener Sri Lanka is not just a vision; it's a tangible reality. Sri Lanka's commitment to renewable energy sources, from hydro power to geothermal exploration, positions Sri Lanka as a beacon of sustainable development in the region