Sri Lanka has approached the United States for assistance in advancing its renewable energy sector, despite significant Indian investments, including by the Adani Group. Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody made this appeal during a meeting with U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung on December 9 to explore cooperation in the energy sector.
According to the Energy Ministry, Minister Jayakody shared the government’s vision for energy development, emphasizing a transition to renewable sources. The Ambassador responded positively, stating, “The U.S. government is ready to provide technical and other assistance to Sri Lanka’s power sector.”
The United States has been a long-time supporter of Sri Lanka’s renewable energy goals, providing initiatives such as a $19 million, five-year Energy Program designed to help the nation achieve 70% renewable energy generation by 2030. The U.S. has also backed projects to develop Sri Lanka’s electric vehicle sector.
Adani Projects under Review
This move comes as President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s administration has pledged to re-examine India’s Adani renewable energy projects in Sri Lanka, following recent allegations of fraud against eight Adani Group executives, including its Chairman Gautam Adani, by U.S. prosecutors in New York.
The Adani Group had proposed a $442 million wind energy project in Mannar and Pooneryn, which includes a 234 MW wind farm approved earlier this year. However, the projects have sparked public and environmental concerns. Critics, including the Bishop of Mannar and environmentalists, argue the wind farms threaten migratory bird routes along the Central Asian Flyway, marine ecosystems, and local livelihoods.
Dr. Jagath Gunawardana, an eminent environmental lawyer, noted that the Adani Group’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) failed to meet basic legal requirements under Sri Lanka’s National Environment Act. “The project does not adequately present alternatives as required,” he said.
Environmental Concerns and Mitigation Efforts
The Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) and the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) are currently reviewing the project following public consultations. Critics worry that the proposed 52 wind turbines, each with a 5.2 MW capacity, could become a “death trap” for migratory birds.
Senior Prof. Devaka Weerakoon of the University of Colombo led the EIA, incorporating data from organizations such as the Ceylon Bird Club and the Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka. The assessment suggests mitigation strategies to reduce environmental harm.
An Adani Group spokesperson, Jamien Boulton, defended the project, emphasizing the use of modern technology to minimize its environmental footprint. “For the first time in Sri Lanka, 5.2 MW Wind Turbine Generators, among the most powerful onshore turbines globally, will be deployed,” he said.
Boulton added that AI-based radar systems would detect incoming bird flocks, prompting automatic turbine shutdowns during high-risk periods. Other measures include painting turbine blade tips to deter birds and using taller turbines with slower blade speeds to reduce collisions.
Despite these assurances, local environmentalists remain concerned, calling for stricter reviews and sustainable alternatives. As Sri Lanka courts U.S. support to meet its renewable energy goals, the fate of the Adani projects remains uncertain, pending further technical and environmental assessments.
