The government has decided to select private sector investors through a competitive bidding process to implement a 100 kW solar power generation programme within next 18 months.

The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday granted approval for the solar project proposal presented by Power Minister Dullas Alahapperuma. Under the project, it is planned to generate renewable electricity by connecting one ground-mounted solar power plant for each of 7, 000 power distribution transformers owned by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and Lanka Electricity Company Pvt. Ltd (LECO).

“Investors will be selected on a competitive bidding basis from individuals and institutions registered in the Business Register of the relevant Divisional Secretariat of the area,” the Government Information Department stated. 

The Power Ministry has estimated that the investment for the construction of one solar power plant to be around Rs.12 million with a land requirement of 40 perch to install the relevant solar power system near the transformer.