Sri Lanka has officially launched the first project under a programme aimed at adding 300 megawatts (MW) of solar power to the national electricity grid.
The project was inaugurated in Veyangoda today (13) under the patronage of Minister of Ports, Civil Aviation and Energy Anura Karunathilaka.
The Veyangoda project is the first of a series of ground-mounted solar power projects planned across the country, with a combined target capacity of 300MW. The project itself has an installed capacity of 3MW.
The programme forms part of its broader strategy to expand renewable energy and reduce the country's dependence on imported fossil fuels, according to the government. Private-sector participation is also being encouraged in selected areas to accelerate the development of renewable energy projects.
Sri Lanka has set a target of meeting 70% of its energy requirements through renewable sources by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2040. The country's renewable energy policy also includes a commitment, in line with the principles of COP26, to refrain from developing new coal-fired power plants.
The government is also working to progressively strengthen the national electricity grid so that it can accommodate a greater share of clean and renewable energy.
The Veyangoda solar project has an AC capacity of 3MW and uses high-efficiency 640-watt bifacial solar panels, which can generate electricity from both sides of the panels.
The project is expected to generate approximately 6.35 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually for the national grid and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 4,339.53 metric tons each year.
