Countrywide blackout on 09 Feb:

by Ifham Nizam

Sri Lanka’s transition into renewable energy (RE) is at a critical juncture, with solar power playing a pivotal role in achieving the country’s goal of 70% renewable energy by 2030. However, challenges in policy implementation and grid integration continue to hinder progress, according to renewable energy expert Eng. Parakrama Jayasinghe.

In response to a query, Jayasinghe said acceptance that RE was the only way forward was the first step. “They can then have an attitude of facilitation rather than obstructions currently faced by all RE developers. If they are honest, they will realise that it is financially and economically advantageous for them to take this path with hardly any capital expenditure. Eliminating the use of oil will save the CEB Rs. 110 billion a year and USD 850 million to the country,” he added.

Eng. Jayasinghe said rooftop solar panels were the most cost-effective and quickest way to expand Sri Lanka’s renewable energy mix. “It has no cost to the CEB, and consumers themselves are investing, making the energy sector more democratic,” he said, warning that without battery storage, solar energy remained variable and non-firm.

“The world has already found solutions to optimize the use of this environmentally friendly and forex-free energy. It is the duty of the CEB to adopt these solutions, which they have ignored year after year,” Jayasinghe said.

One of the main hurdles in scaling up solar power is its availability only during daylight hours. “The easy answer is behind-the-meter storage batteries,” says Eng. Jayasinghe. He believes that if the CEB offers a fair tariff for stored solar energy, private developers will readily adopt storage solutions at their own cost.

Another major concern is grid stability, particularly the reduction of spinning reserves when thermal and hydro plants operate at lower loads to accommodate solar power. However, Eng. Jayasinghe suggests a straightforward fix: “Running hydro and gas turbines at Kelanitissa as synchronous condensers can provide the required inertia at minimal cost and can be implemented quickly.”