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Sri Lanka Considering 20% Renewable Energy In Power Generation

Sri Lanka is looking to increase the installed renewable energy capacity by over four times over the next two decades, as the country’s power regulator draws up a new long-term policy.

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) recently proposed the Long-term Generation Expansion Plan 2015-2034 (PDF). Sri Lanka’s installed power generation capacity at the end of 2014 was 3.9 GW, of which 442 MW is based on renewable energy capacity, dominated by mini-hydro power technology, which contributes 293 MW capacity, while wind energy technology represents 124 MW capacity. Renewable energy capacity has a share of over 11% in installed capacity as well as generation.

Moving forward, the CEB plans to increase the renewable energy capacity to 972 MW by 2020, which would contribute 20% to the total power generation in the country. Renewable energy’s share in power generation is expected to peak in 2025 at 21.4% with an installed capacity of 1,367 MW.

Between 2025 and 2034, share of renewable energy in power generation is expected to reduce marginally from 21.4% to 20.0%.

Installed renewable energy capacity in 2034 is expected to reach 1,897 MW, with wind energy being the dominant technology. Wind energy is expected to overtake mini hydro in terms of installed capacity by 2023. Installed capacity targets for the four renewable energy technologies projected by the CEB are mini-hydro: 673 MW; wind energy: 719 MW; biomass-based power: 279 MW; and solar power: 226 MW.

In order to boost the development of small-scale and rooftop solar power capacity in the country, the CEB will consider and approve a net metering policy. To boost power generation from large-scale wind energy and solar power projects, the CEB will also look to enhance resource potential mapping and forecasting of power generation. 
 

Source: Clean Technica