President says 70% of electricity generation should be via renewable sources by 2030

• Annual demand for electricity up at 6%, further rise expected with new development projects
• President stresses institutes with authority to approve development projects without delay
• Govt. to explore possibility of installing solar panels on roofs of schools, State buildings, factories and give portion of profits to relevant institutions

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa this week highlighted that development plans should be formulated to meet 70% of the country’s electricity demand using renewable energy sources by 2030.

He made these remarks on Monday at a discussion with Solar, Wind and Hydro Power Generation Projects Development State Minister at the Presidential Secretariat.

“We should harness renewable energy sources as much as possible for our future power generations to ensure sustainable development,” the President said.

President Rajapaksa pointed out that as a result of the climatic changes, countries across the globe were now perusing renewable energy sources abandoning fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum.

During the meeting it was noted that the annual demand for electricity was up by 6% and with the launch of development projects, it was predicted that the demand for electricity would be further increased.

The President stressed that institutes with the authority to approve development projects should have feasibility reports on stand by and the approval process should be expedited, adding that if approval was sought for a certain project, approval should be granted within 14 days and if the institute failed to respond within 14 days, it could be considered as approved.

Noting that the Government had promoted renewable energy as a top priority, the President advised Secretary to the President Dr. P.B. Jayasundera to issue a gazette calling for all the institutes to assist in this endeavour.

The President also said that if all selected projects via tender process were not commenced within three months, the license would be revoked.

Presidential Task Force on Economic Revival Chairman Basil Rajapaksa pointed out the possibility of installing solar panels as part of the 5,000 irrigation schemes earmarked for renovation.

He further said that it was appropriate to give solar energy power projects only to entrepreneurs in the relevant districts as well as to grant a certain percentage of the profits to farmers’ associations.

The meeting also focused on exploring the possibility of installing solar panels on the roofs of schools, factories and Government buildings and the possibility of giving a portion of the profits to the relevant institutions. 

It was said that the construction of wind-farms in Mannar, Pooneryn and Siyambalanduwa were aimed at adding a significant percentage of renewable energy to the national grid. President Rajapaksa also said that Government should encourage independent entrepreneurs to start wind or solar power projects.

Power Minister Dullas Alahapperuma, Solar, Wind and Hydro Power Generation Projects Development State Minister Duminda Dissanayake, Secretary to the President Dr. P.B. Jayasundera, secretaries to Cabinet and State ministries, heads of line institutions and entrepreneurs in the energy sector were also present at the discussion.