Two Wind Power Plants in Puttalam, Sri Lanka

14th June 2010, www.dailynews.lk, By Indunil Hewage

Rs 4.3 billion has been invested in two wind power projects in the Puttalam district.

Seguwantivu Wind Power and Vidatamunai Wind Power Chief Executive Officer Manjula Perera said two investments relating to wind power sector have been undertaken up to now.

Apart from Seguwantivu and Vidatamunai plants they managed to start two wind power plants of 10 megawatts each in Mullipuram.

Many countries in the world plan to alter their existing power generation methods to renewable energy sources in the face of global warming which affects the whole world,” he said. Perera said there is potential for renewable energy sources especially in the wind power sector in the country and these sectors should be tapped well.

He said the country should be able to develop at least 500 megawatts in the next five years.

Private sector in the country has been allowed to generate renewable energy sources in mid 1990. The corporate sector was also able to invest in the mini hydro industry in the country. Same is applied to wind power sector and the investments which have been undertaken so far, by Sri Lankan corporate investors. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory of USA in 2003 conducted a comprehensive study on the wind potential for Sri Lanka.

According to their study, it has been revealed that the potential of wind power in the country is more than 20,000 megawatts.

Investors are not in a position to generate this much power supply due to many restrictions.

Around 70 companies have ventured into the mini hydro industry. Perera expressed confidence that many investors will venture into wind power if appropriate policies are adopted. Apart from wind power, Ginisiria is considered as one of the effective renewable energy sources in Sri Lanka.

Wood chips of Ginisiria will be burnt to generate power. This will immensely benefit rural people.

Wind power plants need a fair amount of land during the development stage. The Government is in possession of most of these lands.

Related Info:
Sustainable Energy Authority - Wind Projects