By: Staff Writer
Colombo (LNW): Taking yet another step towards a Greener Nation, Sri Lanka is embarking on mega floating solar power projects on water reservoirs, lakes, and where conditions are right.
The government seeks project proposals for the design and building of an innovative 150-200 MW solar power plant in the Samanalawewa reservoir following the approval given to a pilot project to install Floating Solar Panel Power Plants with Korean assistance.
Republic of Korea has agreed to provide a grant amounting 6.83 Billion Korean Won for the implementation of a pilot project to install floating solar panel power plant with 1 MW capacity on the surface of Kiriibban Wewa reservoir and Chandrika Wewa reservoir in the Ratnapura District six months ago.
In the latest move of promoting this concept , cabinet of ministers has given approval to call proposals for 150-200 MW floating solar power plant in Samanalawewa reservoir on Monday 23 this week.
Upon careful evaluation, it has been determined that there is considerable untapped potential to implement solar power generation projects on the surface of reservoirs managed by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and the Sri Lanka Mahaweli Authority.
It has been identified that the Samanalawewa reservoir, under the purview of the CEB, offers an optimal location for the construction of a floating solar photovoltaic power plant.
A statement comprising weekly Cabinet Decisions issued by the Government Information Department noted that the proposed plant is slated to have an impressive capacity of approximately 150 to 200 megawatts, marking a substantial leap towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
The move is in association with the national procurement guidelines governing infrastructure facility projects.
Recognizing the pressing need for sustainable energy solutions, it has been acknowledged that generating solar electricity on the surface of reservoirs, through the construction of floating solar power plants, represents a fitting solution for countries with limited land availability.
The initiative aligns with Sri Lanka’s broader efforts to transition towards renewable energy, reducing dependency on traditional fossil fuels.
Meanwhile Sri Lanka will to go ahead with a pilot project to install Floating Solar Panel Power Plants on the surface of Kiriibban Wewa reservoir and Chandrika Wewa reservoir in the Ratnapura District.
Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology is acting as the monitoring agency for the pilot project on behalf of the Korean government, said the Department of Government Information.
