The Cabinet has approved plans to begin developing floating solar power projects as part of the country’s renewable energy expansion.

Under the Renewable Energy Resources Development Plan 2026–2030, several reservoirs have been identified as suitable for generating an estimated 3,000 megawatts of power using floating solar panels, based on 10% median surface utilization, the government said. 

The initiative supports Sri Lanka’s target of producing 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and achieving zero carbon electricity generation by 2050. 

The proposal by the Minister of Power includes calling for bids from recognized companies to provide consultancy services for pre-feasibility studies, feasibility studies, and environmental impact assessments. 

Responding to questions about the project, the Cabinet Minister today clarified that the government is focused on finding solutions to the various technological challenges in integrating solar power into the national grid. (Newswire)

The post Sri Lanka to explore floating solar power development appeared first on Newswire.

The proposal to provide relevant plots of land and water surface for the commencement of two floating solar power generation pilot projects of 1 MW capacity each on the Chandrika Wewa Reservoir and Kiriiban Wewa Reservoir has received Cabinet approval.

According to the minutes signed between the Korean government’s Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology and the Ministry of Power and Energy in Sri Lanka, two (02) floating solar power generation pilot projects with a capacity of 1 MW each have been decided to be implemented on the surfaces of the Chandrika Wewa Reservoir and Kiriibban wewa Reservoir. 

For the two projects, a request has been made to provide 0.99 hectares each on the water surface of the Chandrika Wewa Reservoir located in the Embilipitiya Divisional Secretariat Area and the water surface of the Kiriibban Wewa Reservoir located in Sewanagala Divisional Secretariat Area, along with plots of 0.1 hectares each from the reservoir reserves for activities such as construction of power plants and transmission stations, training of maintenance workers and maintenance of solar panels. 

The government points out that the implementation of the proposed projects will add about 3 Gigawatt hours of annual electricity generation to the national grid. 

Accordingly, the Cabinet has approved the proposal made by the Minister of Irrigation to provide the above-mentioned reservoir surface parts and land plots to the Sri Lanka Solar Energy Authority on an annual lease basis for running the two solar pilot projects. (NewsWire)

The post Two more floating solar power projects appeared first on Newswire.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a proposal to call for resolutions for the construction of a floating solar photovoltaic power plant in the Samanalawewa reservoir. 

The government said it has been accepted that the generation of solar electricity on the surface of reservoirs by constructing floating solar power plants is an appropriate remedy for countries with limited land area. 

Therefore, it has been identified that a higher potential is available to implement solar power generation projects on the surface of reservoirs under the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority.

It has also been recognized that a floating solar power voltage plant can be constructed within approximately 100 hectares of the Samanalawewa reservoir, which is under the purview of the CEB, and that a floating solar photovoltaic power plant with a capacity of around 150 – 200 megawatts can be constructed. 

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal submitted by the Minister of Electricity and Power to call resolutions for the construction and execution of the proposed solar power plants.

As per the proposal, resolutions are to be called from project proposals from those who are interested in following the national procurement guidelines applicable to the implementation of infrastructure facility projects. (NewsWire)

The post Samanalawewa floating solar power plant : Cabinet decision appeared first on Newswire.

The Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) and the Ministry of Power and Energy today signed an agreement on the development of the first floating solar development project in Sri Lanka, Minister Kanchana Wijesekera announced.

Taking to Twitter, the Minister said that the USD 5.2 Million grant was extended by KIAT to the Sustainable Energy Authority to develop the 2 projects consisting of 1 MW each of Floating Solar. 

He further stated that the projects, to be developed by the Korean Engineering Company, will be developed on Chandrika Wewa in the Sabaragamuwa Province and Kiri Ibban Wewa in the UVA Province. 

Minister Kanchana Wijesekera added that the project is set to be completed by December 2024. (NewsWire)

The post First floating solar project agreement signed : Locations revealed appeared first on Newswire.