The Cabinet of Ministers approved the awarding of contracts for investors to establish solar photovoltaic power plants for six grid substations in Ampara, Habarana, Kosgama, Kurunegala, Pannala and Veyangoda.
The grids will be developed under the Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant Installation Project for 70 MW with AC capacity ranging from 1-5 in 11 grid substations. It was also noted that proposals have been invited again for supply of 19 ME for the remaining six substations.
Accordingly, Cabinet approval has been given on October 2, 2023, for the award of contracts relating to the supply of 51 MW at 5 grid sub-stations on a build, own and operate basis with an operational period of 20 years under the Solar Photovoltaic Power Plant Installation Project.
In the last year minister of power and energy, Mr.Kanchana Wijesekara claimef that they are preparing for implementing six new renewable energy projects to add over 1,000 MW to national grid in next 3 years and these initiatives have taken as a step of that project.
Furthermore, the government already has given their concern towards the construction of floating solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants to be installed on the reservoir, with the goal of enhancing the country’s renewable energy capacity. The CEB had recently called for expressions of interest (EOI) for the construction of two 100 MW floating solar power plants on the Samanalawewa Reservoir.
After seeing the hurtful consequences in generating electricity through typical fuel and coal plants in the period of Covid and the country’s bankruptcy period, now the government has taken a forward step of thinking about converting into the renewable energy generating sources like Solar Plants. However it is some sort of good thing to hear.