Backbay Solar, commissions 2 MW capacity solar plants in the Eastern Province

• Power and Energy Minister commends contribution by subsidiary of Sino Lanka and Orbital Energy to achieving national goal of 70% renewable energy by 2030

Backbay Solar Ltd., on Sunday commissioned 2 MW ground-mounted solar power plants in Kommathurai Batticaloa, which are a part of the 1X90 SBS II solar tender under the Ceylon Electricity Board. 

Backbay Solar is managed by Sino Lanka Power Gen, a leader in commercial rooftop solar installations with approximately 50 MW of projects completed or undergoing development. Sino Lanka Power Gen meanwhile is a subsidiary of Orbital Energy, a renewable energy developer with large-scale utility projects in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and India. 

Backbay Solar, Sino Lanka Power Gen and Orbital Energy Director Dhiren Kundanmal said: “We are proud to commission Backbay Solar’s ‘SBS II 1X90 Vavunathivu 6’ and ‘SBS II 1X90 Vavunathivu 7’ solar plants.” It was opened under the patronage of Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera, Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority Chairman and Batticaloa Parliamentary MP S. Chandrakantha and other dignitaries. The project was completed with the support of State Ministers Indika Anuruddha Herath and D. V. Chanaka together with Batticoloa MP S. Viyalendran. 

“Our commitment to completing these projects in the backdrop of the energy crisis Sri Lanka faced in the recent past, is a testament to our steadfast support to the Ceylon Electricity Board and the Government in meeting their 2030 renewable energy goals. Through these plants, we hope to contribute approximately 3GWh of renewable energy per annum to the national grid,” added Kundanmal.

He further acknowledged the support of the communities and local authorities of Eravur Pattur, Chenkaladdy, the Ceylon Electricity Board and its Renewable Energy Development and Performance Monitoring Division as well as the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority for working hand in hand with the company to facilitate the completion of the project as well as the support extended by funding partner NDB Bank. 

The company reaffirmed its commitment to drive renewable energy in the country and contribute towards the Government’s future goals under several other projects to come.