Sri Lanka on path to 100% renewable energy

Sri Lanka can meet its current and future electricity demand by judicial use of renewable energy by 2050, according to a joint study by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The report, titled “Assessment of Sri Lanka’s Power Sector-100 percent Electricity Generation through Renewable Energy by 2050” highlights that that by 2050, the country’s installed electricity generation capacity needs will increase from the current 3,700 megawatts (MW) to about 34,000 MW.  Of this, 15,000 MW will be wind energy and about 16,000 MW will be solar energy. Balance capacity is expected to be met by hydro and biomass based power plants. Further to addition of renewable electricity generating sources, the study has identified need to introduce electricity storage solution which should provide instantaneous power of 3,600 MW and energy storage capacity of 15,000 MWh. This will ensure stability of the electricity grid.

The assessment indicates that the substitution of imported fossil fuel with renewable energy till the year 2050 provides direct monetary benefits and will reduce Sri Lanka’s fuel import bill by about $18 billion cumulatively. The report also identifies the need for structural changes in the retail tariffs of Sri Lanka to warrant financial sustainability of its operations.

The report estimates that in order to transition to 100% electricity generation by renewable energy, Sri Lanka will need investment of $50 billion. Further, it emphasizes the need to develop the ancillary services market in light of these changes in the generation system.