Sri Lanka has recently engaged with the American Clean Energy Solutions Inc. of Ontario, Canada to develop a 100 Megawatts solar power project on SLBC land at Nilaweli, Trincomalee, official sources said. This project is in line with the Government policy directive and vision of achieving 70% of electricity generation from renewable energy resources by 2030.
The American Clean Energy Solutions Inc., will invest over USD 150 million to develop the Nilaveli Solar Power Project with the support from Sri Lankan developer; 3 W Power Management Limited.
The SLBC recently awarded the Energy Permit Approval clearance letter received from Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SES) to the Canadian Investor. Regional Director of the American Clean Energy Solutions Inc., Mohamed Hussain received the award letter from SLBC Chairman. Hudson Samarasinghe in the presence of Minister of Transport, Highways and Mass Media Dr. Bandula Gunawardana; Secretary, Ministry of Mass Media; Anusha Pelpita, Chairman SEA, Eng. Ranjith Sepala, Director General of SLBC Nalin Kumara Nissanka and Director General J.M Athula.
Chief Guest Minister Dr. Bandula Gunawardana said that Sri Lanka should attract more foreign direct investments to come out from the present economic crisis. He invited all investors to provide required support to develop the Renewable Energy drive of Sri Lanka and appreciated the efforts made by 3 W Power Management Limited Executive Director/Vice President Indika Kumara Weerakkody and Executive Director/General Manager Warnapriya Wijesundara.
The Minister said that it is essential to initiate new business opportunities to bring FDIs to Sri Lanka. Nilaveli Solar project has been planned to develop on an unutilized land extent that belongs to SLBC and generate additional income to the SLBC. Minister also pointed out the enormous benefits from this solar power project as it reduces the requirement of fossil fuels to generate electricity. It was informed that the project will save approximately Rs. 8,000 million per annum to CEB by replacing the high-cost thermal power.
Vice President of the 3 W Power Management Limited Mr. Weerakkody appreciated the support received from all the government officials such as Kuchchaveli Divisional Secretary, CEB, SEA, CEA and especially SLBC during the initial approval process of the project.