By: Staff Writer
January 27, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan government is moving forward with Phase II of the Mannar Wind Energy Park, a 100 MW project that includes a 5 km, 132 kV transmission line.
This phase will incorporate advanced wind turbines with grid-support features, allowing for semi-dispatchable operations, similar to those in Phase I managed by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB). The turbines will be located 2 km from the existing installations, ensuring operational efficiency.
The Mannar wind energy projects have demonstrated significant potential. A state-run 103.5 MW wind farm built by CEB in Mannar has generated over 1.1 billion kWh of electricity in the last three years, achieving an average plant factor exceeding 40%.
Funded by a $200 million Asian Development Bank (ADB) loan, the project surpassed its expected generation targets, producing 347 GWh in 2022, 391.22 GWh in 2023, and 365 GWh in 2024.
These figures indicate strong performance and return on investment, with revenue ranging between $69 million and $117.43 million, depending on pricing models.
Windorce Plc was awarded a 50 MW wind plant in June 2026 for 4.88 US cents per kWh, reflecting competitive pricing.
In contrast, a prior agreement with India’s Adani Group for 484 MW projects in Mannar and Pooneryn priced electricity at 8.26 US cents per kWh. Mannar’s advantageous wind patterns, driven by monsoonal activity, have resulted in high energy yields.
Despite these successes, the environmental impact of the wind farms has sparked controversy. Phase I, established in 2020 with ADB funding, drew criticism for its location along a critical bird migratory corridor.
Bird radar systems were installed to mitigate this, shutting turbines when flocks are detected, though this reduces energy generation.
The environmental concerns echo criticisms of past projects, such as the Canadian-funded Sinharaja Mechanized Logging Project of the 1960s and 70s.
However, economic imperatives often take precedence, as demonstrated by the government’s decision to accept an unsolicited proposal from Adani Green Energy Sri Lanka Ltd. during the country’s economic crisis.
Adani’s proposed 250 MW Mannar Wind Power Project (Phase II) involves 52 turbines of 5.2 MW capacity each, projected to generate 1,048 GWh annually, fulfilling 6% of Sri Lanka’s energy needs.
Critics highlight that while onshore wind energy provides short-term benefits, offshore wind farms could yield significantly greater energy without the environmental and logistical constraints of land-based projects.
Offshore facilities also hold the potential to produce alternative fuels like hydrogen and ammonia, paving the way for a more sustainable energy future.
In summary, the Mannar Wind Energy Park represents a critical step in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy journey, balancing economic growth and environmental challenges.
While Phase II promises to enhance energy output, long-term strategies must consider sustainable, less invasive technologies to meet the nation’s growing energy demands.
