Delft, Nainativu and Analaitivu set for round-the-clock power

Colombo, June 22 (Daily Mirror) - Residents of Nainativu (Nagadeepa), Analaitivu and Delft islands will soon benefit from a 24-hour uninterrupted electricity supply through a new hybrid renewable energy system currently under construction, Energy Minister Anura Karunatilaka said during an inspection tour of the project.

The Minister said the islands have long depended on diesel-powered electricity generation, which is both costly and difficult to maintain due to the logistical challenges of transporting fuel by sea. He noted that power supply disruptions are particularly common during adverse weather conditions and natural disasters.

"The cost of generating electricity from diesel power plants is exceptionally high, and transporting diesel to these isolated islands presents numerous challenges. The new system will enable us to provide a continuous and reliable electricity supply to island communities," he said.

The project, titled "Construction of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems in Small Islands," is being implemented with financial assistance from the Government of India at a cost of nearly US$11 million. It aims to provide a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solution for the three islands through an independent off-grid power system.

The hybrid microgrid will comprise a 1.7-megawatt solar power plant, a 750-kilowatt wind power plant and a 2.4-megawatt-hour Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). An advanced Energy Management System (EMS) will be used to balance power generation and storage, ensuring a stable and uninterrupted electricity supply.

Minister Karunatilaka said the project supports the government's broader efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions while improving energy security.

He added that the availability of round-the-clock electricity is expected to improve living standards, boost economic activities such as fishing, and enhance essential public services, including healthcare and education.

The Minister instructed officials to expedite the remaining construction work so that residents can begin benefiting from the new power infrastructure as soon as possible.

The inspection tour was attended by Secretary to the Ministry of Energy G.M.R.D. Aponsu, Head of Chancery at the Consulate General of India in Jaffna Sankaran Rajgopalan, Sustainable Energy Authority Chairman Prof. Wijendra J. Bandara, and several senior officials from the energy sector.