Sri Lanka Inks Agreement for Hybrid Renewable Energy Development on Jaffna Islands with USD 10.995 Million Grant from India
In a significant stride towards sustainable energy development, Sri Lanka has officially signed an agreement for the implementation of hybrid renewable energy systems on three islands off Jaffna. The Minister of Power and Energy, Kanchana Wijesekera, announced on March 1 that, under a generous financial grant of USD 10.995 million from the Government of India, the islands of Delft, Analativu, and Nainativu are slated to be equipped with these advanced systems by March 2025.
According to Minister Wijesekera, the hybrid renewable energy systems on the three islands will include 530 kW of wind power, 1700 kW of solar power, 2400 kWh of battery power, and 2500 kW of standby diesel power. The development will be undertaken by the India-based U-Solar Clean Energy as part of the collaborative project.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) to make the announcement, Minister Wijesekera expressed gratitude to the Government of the Republic of India, Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha, Former High Commissioner Gopal Bagalay, and officials of the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka for their invaluable assistance in making this initiative a reality.
This venture marks a significant step in Sri Lanka’s commitment to harnessing clean and renewable energy sources, aligning with broader global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable development. The hybrid renewable energy systems are expected to not only enhance energy accessibility on the islands but also contribute to environmental conservation in the region.
The project envisions a comprehensive approach towards energy sustainability, integrating multiple sources to ensure a reliable and resilient power supply for the communities on Delft, Analativu, and Nainativu islands. As per the minister’s statement, this initiative is a testament to the strong collaboration between Sri Lanka and India in advancing shared goals of environmental stewardship and sustainable energy solutions.
The successful implementation of this project is anticipated to serve as a model for similar initiatives in the region and underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change and energy transition.
