Birds to decide on Renewable Projects previously offered to Adani

• CEA stresses the need to undertake a new bird collision avoidance study
• Proposed study is a regulatory requirement to assess how birds interact with offshore wind farms
• Adani withdrew from the projects after the new government decided to review agreements
• Initial agreements faced controversy over tariff rates, environmental impact, and transparency

Colombo, Oct. 17 (Daily Mirror) - Ahead of fresh tenders to be called for the two renewable energy projects previously offered to India's Adani company, the Central Environment Authority (CEA) has sought to undertake a bird collision avoidance study, an official said.

Adani Group has already withdrawn from the projects after the new government decided to review them.

An official from the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) said the CEA stressed the need to undertake a new bird collision avoidance study.

It is a regulatory requirement that demands clear evidence on how birds behave within and around offshore wind farms to ensure the risk to species is minimal.

Asked about the payment due to be paid to Adani following the withdrawal, he said there is an initial agreement on a certain amount of money to be refunded, but it cannot be divulged at the moment because of legal cases pending.

"The matter now lies with the Attorney General," he said.

The two renewable energy projects initially offered to India’s Adani Green Energy Limited involved the development of 484 MW of wind power in Mannar and Pooneryn, with an investment of about US $442 million. The projects were intended to supply power to the national grid under a 20-year power purchase agreement, but they soon drew controversy over tariff rates, environmental impact, and procedural transparency.