May 04, 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.
Sri Lanka’s Board of Investment cleared the company’s two wind energy projects to add 250 MW in Mannar and 234 MW in Pooneryn to the national grid.
Eminent environmental lawyer Dr. Jagath Gunawardana said that the Adani Company has failed stick to the basic EIA requirements of an EIA without indicating alternatives to the project in a meaningful manner as required under Section 33 of the National Environment Act.
Environmentalists and residents of Mannar alarm that the wind energy project could be danger to the biodiversity of the area and impact people’s livelihoods that are to the coastal environment.
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 in an email. Message
For the first time in the island nation, 5.2 MW 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
