First 3MW solar project under 300MW program connected to national grid
– The first project under a program to add 300 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy to Sri Lanka’s national electricity grid was officially connected to the grid in Veyangoda today.The 3MW ground-mounted solar power project was inaugurated this morning under the patronage of Ports, Civil Aviation and Energy Minister Anura Karunathilake.The project, implemented by Helis Fentons Limited, is the first of a series of land-based solar projects planned across the country, with a combined targeted capacity of 300MW.
The project is being implemented under the supervision of the Ministry of Energy and its affiliated institutions, as part of the Government’s strategy to expand renewable energy generation through private sector participation.
The Government has identified renewable energy as a key component of its long-term energy strategy, with plans to increase the contribution of clean energy to the national electricity supply while reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.The project is expected to generate approximately 6.35 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually.Authorities said the project would also reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 4,339 tones annually.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Religious Affairs and Culture Munir Mulafer, Gampaha District MP Ruwan Mapalagama, Attanagalla Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman A.D.D. Wijesinghe, Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority Chairman Dr. T.M. Wijendra Bandara and other officials.
