Sri Lanka's renewable energy ambitions took a significant step forward as Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera announced plans to invite tenders for a 50-megawatt wind plant in the North Eastern Mannar area next week.
Amidst a surge in investor interest buoyed by economic stability, Wijesekera revealed the government's intention to call tenders for a total of 10 wind and solar plants, attracting attention from both local and foreign investors.
The Mannar region, already home to a Ceylon Electricity Board wind plant boasting an impressive plant factor of approximately 45 percent, presents a fertile ground for cost-effective energy production. With daily output occasionally soaring to 60 percent, Mannar emerges as a promising hub for sustainable energy generation.
Minister Wijesekera disclosed that Sri Lanka is nearing agreements with investors for additional sites, with proposed prices ranging between 26 and 30 rupees. Furthermore, bids for a 100-megawatt renewable plant in Siyambalanduwa have been received at 8 US cents per unit, equivalent to approximately 25 to 26 rupees. Wijesekera underscored the government's commitment to expeditiously finalize agreements and advance the implementation process.
While acknowledging the time-intensive nature of project approval and execution, Wijesekera provided insights into the anticipated timeline, expressing hopes for the Siyambalanduwa project to be operational by the end of 2025.
