Feasibility study begins for landmark Canal-Top Solar Project over Vienna Canal

Colombo, July 22 (Daily Mirror) - A preliminary feasibility study has been launched to introduce a Canal-Top Solar Power Project above the Vienna Canal in Mahiyangana, following a concept proposed by Plantations and Community Infrastructure Minister Samantha Vidyarathna.

A field observation visit and discussion regarding the proposed project were held in Mahiyangana on July 20, with the participation of officials from the energy and irrigation sectors.

Badulla District Parliamentarian and Energy Ministry representative Sudath Balagalla, Mahiyangana Pradeshiya Sabha Member Alahakoon, Chairman of the Sustainable Energy Authority Professor Wijendra Bandara, Director General Engineer Rohana Rambodage, Lanka Electricity Distribution Company Planning Engineer Asitha Attanayake, Mahaweli Authority engineering officials and several other stakeholders took part in the inspection.

The Vienna Canal, which extends over 20 kilometres and receives sunlight throughout the year, has been identified as a suitable location for a large-scale Canal-Top Solar project that could contribute additional capacity to the national electricity grid.

Officials said the project could provide several environmental and economic benefits, including reducing water evaporation, controlling water temperatures during hot periods, and supporting future green energy initiatives such as green hydrogen production.

The proposal also includes measures to reduce the risk of wild elephants falling into the canal through the installation of safe electric fencing and other protective measures.

If implemented, the Vienna Canal project could become a national model combining water conservation, renewable energy generation and wildlife protection.

Sri Lanka is looking to follow global examples such as Gujarat, India, which pioneered the Canal-Top Solar concept, by developing the Mahiyangana project as a landmark initiative in the country’s green energy drive.