Kanchana announces major renewable energy projects

 Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera

• Inks PPA for $ 150 m 150 MW ground mounted solar project in Hambantota
• Says project will be developed by a consortium of 17 local developers
• Venture includes 13 power plants of 10 MW each, 4 power plants of 5 MW each
• Aims to commence construction in May 2024 and connect to grid by mid-2025
• Floats ICBs for a 50MW wind farm facility in Mannar on a BOO) basis

Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera yesterday announced signing of a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for a 150 MW ground mount solar project in Hambantota with an investment of $ 150 million and floated International Competitive Bids (ICBs) for a 50 MW wind farm facility in Mannar. Taking to ‘X’ the Minister noted that the 150 MW ground mount solar project to be developed at the Solar Energy Park in Gannoruwa, Hambantota.

“The project will be developed by a consortium of 17 local developers, comprising 13 power plants of 10 MW and four power plants of 5MW making up the total capacity of 150 MW,” he added. The project will include the construction of transmission and grid facilities, adopting a new business model utilising the Ceylon Electricity Board’s Standardised Power Purchase Agreement (SPPA).

He said the construction is slated to commence in May 2024, aiming for National Grid connection by mid-2025.  Minister Wijesekera said the ICB invites potential developers with the requisite financial and technical expertise to establish a 50 MW wind farm facility in Mannar on a Build, Own, and Operate (BOO) basis.

The deadline for proposal submissions is set for 9 May 2024.

The Government plans to integrate all the projects that receive approvals by 2030 into the National Grid.