UTE contributes to finding energy solutions for Sri Lanka

Friday, 21 July 2017 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Hosts customer event to discuss challenges and strategies for Sri Lanka’s energy sector

United Tractor & Equipment Ltd. (UTE), renowned as a company in the forefront of power generation solutions hosted customers recently, to discuss key trends and new products shaping the local solar industry.

The event also showcased UTE as a Caterpillar dealer keen to contribute towards solutions for increasing power generation in the country as well as energy security through the introduction of its new solar solutions.

Attendees at the event included a mix of business leaders, professionals involved in the power sector, officials of the energy regulatory authority, energy experts and others in the energy ecosystem.

To answer questions about the latest energy policies and trends in the country, Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka Director General Damitha Kumarasinghe was the keynote speaker. The PUSL Director General’s insightful presentation included an overview of the situation in the energy sector, on electricity generation and short term issues as well as solutions and the long term outlook for Sri Lanka’s electricity sector.

“Over the last decades, per capital energy consumption has been increasing. Due to industrialisation and large scale deployment of electricity networks,” Kumarasinghe noted. “The next few years are not an easy time frame for the energy sector. It is a challenging period for generation plants, transmission systems and an increased burden on the transportation of fuel. As Sri Lanka’s demand is growing we face a lot of challenges.”

During his presentation, he also explained where the world is moving towards power generation according to viewpoints from eminent global figures who point out the need to expand renewable energy solutions lowering the environmental impact caused by conventional energy sources. Citing the importance of energy security, he said, “We have to look into all the relevant aspects in getting a stable, secure and affordable energy supply. This is what the debate should be in Sri Lanka – how to ensure the energy security of this country with the limited resources available. Most importantly we should grasp at whatever renewables we have – solar, wind and hydro.”

Caterpillar Diesel Projects, South Asia Territory Manager Sankar Narayan conducted a product presentation on Cat Power Generators. This was followed by a presentation on UTE Product Support Services by UTE Chief Marketing Officer Nalin Manoratne. UTE-MEP Solutions Division Electrical Engineer Shanima Silva described the services offered by his division.

Explaining the superiority of the Caterpillar Solar PV which uses cutting edge thin film technology, UTE CEO Riyad Ismail said, “As a country solar (energy) is the future and we are progressing with renewables through the Caterpillar dealer network.”

Elaborating on the advantages of the Caterpillar Solar PV, he noted, “The thin film solar panel is simple technology but gives impressive results. It’s proven technology which has gone through very stringent certification and testing is built for humid high temperature countries such as ours and it is the best time to invest in Solar.”