WindForce-led consortium to undertake SL’s largest private sector solar power project

 From left: Dulan Lakshitha – Chief Engineer CEB, Kamal Perera – DGM Renewable Energy, N.S. Ilangakoon – Chairman CEB, Rohan Seneviratne – GM CEB, M. J. M. N. Marikkar – Chief Executive Officer, Lakdhanavi Ltd, Manjula Perera – Managing Director, WindForce PLC, Lasith Wimalasena – Chief Executive Officer, WindForce PLC and Senura Fonseka representing The Blue Circle

• 100 MW solar power plant and transmission facility in Siyambalanduwa, Monaragala district
• Total investment estimated at US$ 152 mn, completion before 2025
• Consortium includes Lakdhanavi Ltd and The Blue Circle Pte Ltd
• Project integrates 12MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) with solar plant
• Tariff structure will be dollar-pegged for fairness and sustainability

A consortium led by renewable energy player WindForce PLC is set to undertake Sri Lanka’s largest private sector renewable energy project.

The total investment of the 100 MW solar power plant with a transmission facility to be set up in Siyambalanduwa in Monaragala district is estimated at US$ 152 million and is scheduled for completion before 2025.
Others in the consortium are Lakdhanavi Ltd, a leading independent power producer in Sri Lanka, and The Blue Circle Pte Ltd, a distinguished renewable energy company based in Singapore.

The project will enhance WindForce’s installed capacity by nearly 30 percent. 
Setting a new standard in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy sector, the project will include the integration of a batter energy storage system (BESS) with the solar plant. 

This pioneering move will mark the first time such advanced energy storage technology is utilised in the country, WindForce said in a statement.

Further, the project breaks new ground by being awarded as a single package, incorporating a 100MW solar power plant, 12MWh battery energy storage system, 2x63.5MVA, 132/33kV grid substation, and a 27km, 132/33kV transmission line. 

This holistic and integrated approach ensures the seamless and efficient distribution of clean energy throughout the region.

The company also pointed out that the successful and timely implementation of the project will depend on the unwavering support of the Sri Lankan government. 
“The availability of all required land allocations and approvals as a ready-to-built project reflects the government’s commitment to facilitating and expediting renewable energy projects,” WindForce noted.

Meanwhile, considering the significance and scale of this project, the tariff structure will be dollar-pegged.
“This ensures a fair and sustainable return on investment for the consortium while providing consumers with a competitive and reliable electricity tariff. The dollar-pegged tariff exemplifies the consortium’s transparency and commitment to long-term viability, ensuring the project’s success and continuity,” WindForce said.
The project stands as the largest renewable energy endeavour ever awarded to the private sector by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB). The project was awarded to the consortium on August 16, 2023.