Sri Lanka is stepping up efforts to professionalize its renewable energy and technical workforce, with new regulations making National Vocational Qualifications (NVQ) mandatory for solar power and refrigeration technicians by 2030.

According to the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), community demand for renewable energy is rising sharply, with the government targeting 70% renewable energy by 2030. To achieve this, about 600 megawatts of solar capacity must be added annually to the national grid. Already, more than 1,000 companies are licensed to import and install solar systems, employing around 10,000 workers. However, most lack recognized professional certification.

To bridge this gap, the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority and the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka have launched a program to train 5,000 solar technicians and 100 inspectors annually. So far, 1,500 technicians have been trained, with a fast‑track scheme now awarding NVQ Level 3 qualifications free of charge to those with more than two years’ industry experience.

The Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka has gazetted regulations requiring NVQ Level 3 as the minimum qualification for solar technicians between Jan. 1, 2028 and Dec. 31, 2029. From Jan. 1, 2030, technicians must hold NVQ Level 4 in solar technology and be registered as engineering technicians. The PUCSL states that this will raise professional standards, ensure electrical safety, and support national renewable energy goals.

Parallel reforms are underway in the cooling sector. The National Ozone Unit of the Environment Ministry, together with the Public Utilities Commission, is offering free NVQ 3 and NVQ 4 qualifications to refrigeration, air conditioning, and vehicle air conditioning technicians. Regulations imposed on July 7, 2026 require NVQ Level 3 by 2028, with NVQ Level 4 and registration with the Institution of Engineers mandatory from 2030.

Authorities expect these measures to elevate technical standards, enhance safety, and contribute to both renewable energy targets and environmental protection goals. (Newswire)

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The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) and the Ministry of Environment have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance the Certification System for certain Technicians in Sri Lanka.

According to the electricity industry regulator, the MOU was signed with the Air Resource Management and National Ozone Unit of the Ministry of Environment, today (Jan 23) aimed at establishing a comprehensive licensing system for Refrigeration, Air Conditioning (RAC) and mobile air conditioning (MAC) technicians and to provide free National Vocational Qualification.

B K Prabath Chandrakeerthi (Attorney-At-Law), Secretary to the Ministry of Environment and Professor Manjula Fernando, Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka signed the MOU on behalf of the two organizations at the premises of the PUCSL.

It is essential to adhere to the provisions of the Montreal Alliance in terms of electrical safety, energy conservation, environmental conservation and maintenance of refrigeration and air conditioning and mobile air conditioning equipment. Targets are aimed at standardizing and certifying the relevant artisans to minimise the emission of ozone-depleting chemicals into the atmosphere and using them in an environmentally friendly manner, as well as using non-ozone-depleting chemicals with a higher global warming potential, following good practices in the field of refrigeration and air conditioning and mobile air conditioning, and making alternative materials safe and standard.

As per this MoU, refrigeration and air conditioning technicians as well as mobile air conditioning technicians will be empowered in two phases. The collaboration will introduce a free-based National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) granting through an accelerated Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) by PUCSL for those technicians who are currently engaged in this profession but do not have a recognized professional qualification (certificate).  

The Air Resource Management and National Ozone Unit of the Ministry of Environment is financing the assessment test fees, training costs and exam materials required for the final test and the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka together with the Air Resource Management and National Ozone Unit is responsible for carrying out the groundwork, training and operation side of the programme. With over 10,000 experienced but uncertified RAC and MAC technicians in Sri Lanka, there is a pressing need to bridge the gap between practical knowledge and professional qualifications. With this programme in place all the RAC and MAC technicians will have the opportunity to obtain the national professional qualification free of charge.

As part of the programme’s second phase, PUCSL and the Ministry of Environment will introduce an identification card to RAC and MAC technicians who qualify through the NVQ program. Also, a National Licensing Framework for RAC and MAC technicians will be implemented after a sufficient number of technicians are professionally qualified at the National Vocational Qualification Level 04. 

Technicians who are interested can send a WhatsApp message with the name and district to 0764271030 to register to obtain National Professional Qualification Level 3 for free according to the Recognition of Prior Learning-RPL.

The groundbreaking collaboration between PUCSL and the Ministry of Environment represents a significant step toward fostering a skilled and certified workforce in the RAC and MAC sectors, promoting environmental sustainability, and safeguarding public well-being. (NewsWire)

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