Kanchana reviews status of six large renewable energy projects

Representatives from Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA), and the Ministry of Power & Energy discussing matters with Minister Kanchana Wijesekera

In line with the government’s ambitious target of achieving 70 percent of total electricity demand from renewable sources by 2030, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera conducted a review of six significant renewable energy projects.
During the meeting, which took place on Friday (25), project developers and representatives from the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA), and the Ministry of Power & Energy gathered to discuss various aspects. 

Key topics included governmental approvals, land acquisition, transmission line construction, grid synchronisation, power purchase agreements, financing, and project timelines.
Details of the reviewed projects are as follows:

500 MW Wind Project in Mannar and Pooneryn by Adani Green Energy: Scheduled for completion by January 2025, this project requires government approvals and power purchase agreements by September 2023. Additionally, the construction of a necessary 400-kilovolt transmission line will be undertaken by Adani Green Energy.

700+ MW Ground Mount Solar with Battery Storage in Poonakary: This project plans to directly connect 134 MW to the national grid, eventually scaling up to 700 MW through battery storage. Construction is projected to commence in March 2024 following approval for transmission lines.

150 MW Ground Mount Solar in Hambantota: A consortium of local developers is responsible for this project, intended to be connected to transmission lines by December 2024, with potential to expand generation to 300 MW.
100 MW Ground Mount Solar with Battery Storage in Siyambalanduwa: A joint effort by Lakdhanavi Limited, Wind Force PLC, and Blue Circle Pte Ltd, this project aims for completion by the end of 2025, alongside the corresponding transmission line system.

100 MW Ground Mount Solar in Batticaloa by Solar Forge: Set to be finalized by 2025, the project’s necessary approvals and transmission line construction are expected to be completed by October 2023.
130 MW Ground Mount Solar in Sampur: Jointly undertaken by CEB and NTPC of India, this project will unfold in two stages and feature the construction of two transmission lines. The first phase, adding 50 MW to the national system, is slated for 2025. The required credit facilities are supported by the AIIB financial institution.