Last turbines delivered for Mannar wind farm

Colombo, July 6 - (Daily Mirror) - The final batch of turbines required for the 50 MW HayWind wind power project in Mannar has arrived in Sri Lanka, marking a significant milestone in the country's transition towards a sustainable energy future.

According to officials, the latest shipment of turbines reached the Port of Trincomalee, following the arrival of the first batch several weeks ago. Installation work on the turbines is currently underway at the project site in Mannar.

The HayWind project, which is expected to generate 50 MW of electricity, has secured a power purchase agreement at a rate of US$0.0465 (Rs. 14.37) per unit, reportedly the lowest tariff ever agreed upon for wind-generated electricity in Sri Lanka.

Once operational, the wind farm is expected to reduce the country's dependence on imported fossil fuels, resulting in an estimated annual foreign exchange saving of approximately Rs. 4.7 billion. The project is also projected to cut carbon emissions by around 186,300 metric tons annually.

The HayWind wind farm is expected to play a key role in achieving Sri Lanka's target of generating 70 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, while also supporting the country's goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Construction of the project was inaugurated in January this year under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The project is scheduled for completion by March 2027, after which it will add 50 MW of renewable energy capacity to the national grid.

Hayleys Fentons PLC, selected through a competitive international tender process, is responsible for the installation and maintenance of the turbines. The National System Operator (NSO), operating under the Ministry of Energy, will oversee the operation and management of the system.