Sri Lanka has taken a step towards diversifying its renewable energy mix by approving a proposal to hire a consultancy firm to explore the feasibility of floating solar power projects, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister of Health and Media Nalinda Jayatissa announced. The move aims to accelerate the island nation’s goal of achieving 70 percent renewable energy by 2030 and complete carbon neutrality by 2050.
The initiative is part of the government’s Renewable Energy Resources Development Plan 2026–2030, which has identified several reservoirs suitable for generating an estimated 3,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity from floating solar installations. This estimate is based on using about 10 percent of the surface area of selected water bodies.
Minister Jayatissa noted that limited land availability has become a significant barrier to large-scale solar development, prompting the government to consider alternatives. “When you try to build solar panels on land, there is an issue of space because of limited land space. So, as an alternative, the government has focused on floating solar power panels,” he said.
Under the plan, potential sites will be selected only after pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, along with comprehensive environmental impact assessments. Tests are already underway in some water bodies, and findings from these pilots will inform future expansion.
Floating solar technology, while promising, presents both opportunities and challenges. Globally, such systems have been deployed in countries like China, India, and Japan, taking advantage of reduced land requirements, lower water evaporation rates, and potentially higher energy efficiency due to the cooling effect of water.
In Sri Lanka, pilot attempts have been made on a small scale, particularly on reservoirs under the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and irrigation schemes, but large-scale commercial deployment has yet to take off.
Key challenges include high initial capital costs and the need for robust battery storage systems to manage power fluctuations. The cost of energy storage remains a critical concern, as it can significantly impact the economic viability of these projects.
Cabinet approval paves the way for the procurement process to invite proposals from recognized firms to conduct technical and environmental studies. The consultancy work will determine the most suitable reservoirs, assess potential output, and address technical hurdles such as anchoring systems, maintenance in aquatic environments, and grid integration.
If implemented effectively, floating solar could become a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s clean energy transition, complementing existing hydropower assets and reducing dependency on fossil fuels. The initiative also aligns with the country’s broader environmental goals, including plans for flora spatial mapping and participation in carbon credit trading.
However, experts caution that success will depend on transparent procurement, strong technical partnerships, and careful balancing of ecological and community concerns—especially in areas where reservoirs support fisheries and irrigation.
With feasibility work now set to begin, Sri Lanka’s push for floating solar could mark a turning point in its renewable energy journey, offering both climate and energy security benefits in the years ahead.