By: Staff Writer
June 09, Colombo (LNW): Adani Green Energy’s US$442 million wind power project in Mannar and Pooneryn is undergoing a technical review of the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) following Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) public consultation process
Several public complaints had been received relating to the impact on the Central Asian Flyway and migratory birds and marine life along with hiccups in the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) report.
The Central Environmental Authority (CEA,) has undertaken a technical review after receiving the SLSEA technical response on public comments on the EIA report, a high official of the SLSEA said.
Adani’s wind power project is expected to benefit Sri Lanka with the lowest electricity tariff of 24.78 LKR per unit, a statement said.
The tariff will be the lowest in Sri Lanka, cheaper than the CEB’s 100 MW Wind power plant at Thambapavani and significantly lower than oil-based power at 80 LKR per unit.
By replacing higher-cost, import-dependent fossil fuel power, Adani’s project will save Sri Lanka over US$ 270 million annually in foreign exchange, potentially up to US$ 5.4 billion over the project’s lifetime, the statement said.
Adani’s project, with a tariff of 24.78 LKR per unit, is notably lower than the tariffs of other renewable energy projects recently approved, and significantly cheaper than fossil fuel-based power generation.
Generating about 1,500 million units of green power annually, the project will meet the energy needs of 590,000 households and help Sri Lanka achieve its Renewable Energy Target of 70% by 2030.
This green energy production will avoid 1.06 million tons of CO2 emissions annually, offering an economic benefit of up to US$ 100 million per year, the statement added.
Targeted for completion by 2025, the project will reduce the government’s electricity purchase costs by approximately US$ 83 million per year (about LKR 25 billion), leading to a reduction in consumer electricity tariffs by 17 LKR per unit.
The proposed wind farm will comprise 52 wind turbines of 5.2 MW capacity each will be spread across most parts of Mannar which will become a “death trap” for migratory birds, they added.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), including Birds and Bats Studies was carried out by the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA), under the leadership of, Senior Prof. Devaka Weerakoon Professor, Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences, University of Colombo.
The report was based after year-long on-ground studies and data sets of The Ceylon Bird Club (CBC), The Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka (FOGSL) and Ramsar data sheet were also considered. The EIA guides several steps for the developer to reduce the environmental impact.
Adani Group will deploy modern technology to not just minimize the project’s potential environment impact but also deliver it on time and budget, a spokesman of the company. Jamien Boulton said
Wind Turbine Generator (WTG), one of the most powerful onshore wind turbines in the world, will be used, providing higher generation at a lower overall footprint, he disclosed.
The project will implement AI-based radar systems to detect incoming flocks and automatically shut down turbines during high-risk periods, he said.
Acoustic and visual deterrents such painting the tip of the blades will be installed to deter birds from flying into them, and also use taller turbines with slower blade rotation speeds, reducing collision risks, he reiterated.
