The wind farm is considered to be the first 100MW wind farm in the country and is estimated to add significantly to the country’s 2020 renewable energy ambition.
This wind farm will be located in Mannar Island in the Northern Province. From its side, Ceylon Electricity Board will provide $56.7m for the project, which is expected to have a total cost of $256.7m.
To manage voltage levels, the project will also provide the associated infrastructure, such as internal cabling and access roads, energy dispatch control center, and reactors.
The wind farm is estimated to start its operations by the end of 2021.
The project is expected to result in establishing the procedures to enable the Ceylon Electricity Board to emerge as a wind park developer that can attract participation of the private sector in future wind power generation.
ADB principal energy specialist Mukhtor Khamudkhanov said: “The new Wind Power Generation Project will not only provide access to a clean and reliable power supply in Sri Lanka, but also create an environment for further wind power development through future public-private partnerships.
“Diversifying the country’s power generation through clean, renewable energy sources will improve the country’s energy security and environment.”
Sri Lanka had generated two-thirds of its electricity comes from thermal (coal and oil-fired) power generation in 2016, while the remaining part of the total generation was from renewable energy sources. However, only 8% comes from nonconventional renewable sources including mini hydro, wind, solar and biomass.
The county has an aim to produce at least 20% of its power from renewable resources by 2020.
Image: ADB to provide $200m for 100MW wind project in Sri Lanka. Photo: Courtesy of Asian Development Bank.
