Wind Power – why ignore Little Basses?

Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya’s essay on “Wind Power in Mannar, now a reality”, in The Island (22/12) is very convincing and will encourage businessmen to invest on wind energy, dispelling the view of present day promoters and guardians of renewable sources of energy who dared not to venture, as they considered wind power too expensive, and that there is no wind in Sri Lanka, but doldrums or trade winds. I remember, there was a Consultant from Denmark, attached to the Energy Division, of the Ministry for Power and Energy, whose name sounded ‘KNIFE’, who also did not encourage wind energy. I also remember there was an experimental station at Pattiyapola, near Matara, funded by UNDP, to study and take steps to promote solar, wind , biogas energy, but after the demise of that enthusiastic Engineer, activities virtually came to a halt. If this station is yet functioning, it is best to up-grade same to an Advisory and Experimental Organisation, where even the public could seek advice and guidance.

He also speaks of an engineer who went to Mannar in 2002 to set up a wind measuring system. However, I believe, the Meteorological Department makes periodical studies, as seen in the statement given below:

“Now that a serious step has been taken, as seen by commissioning a 100 Mw. wind plant at Mannar, it is presumed the Ministry for Power has already taken action to secure land as stated in the Gazette Extraordinary 2135/61 of 9th August 2019 which says – 3.9.2…. Best sites to locate large scale renewable energy infrastructure such as wind and solar farms would be identified in advance and marked on a master plan so that they can be developed as large concentrated facilities in phases.”

If such lands are advertised or given publicity, the land owners would not undertake buildings or other developments in such areas.

Mean Monthly Wind Speeds at the Coastal and Inland stations in Ceylon [Miles per Hour] Source – Wind Energy Unit, Hydraulic Research Lab

Station Colombo Puttalam Mannar Jaffna Kankesanthurai Trinco Batticaloa Hambantota, Galle Anuradhapura Ratnapura Little Bases

It will be seen from the above statement, that the best station for harnessing wind power are Little Bases islands, four miles off Hambantota, having an average speed of 17.1 Mph, the best months being from May to August, having a wind speed of over 20 Mph, followed by Hambantota 12.35 Mph, Trinco 10.1Mph, Jaffna 9.5 Mph and Kankesanthurai 9.2. and Mannar 8.4 Mph.

It is strange, going by the above statement, unless the wind patterns have changed drastically, why CEB decided to start the Wind Energy programme from Mannar, which has the lowest wind speed. My fear is, if the performance is not up to expectation, then investors may be reluctant to invest. The other question is why was not Little Basses Island not given priority. Was it the fear of disturbing the Yala wildlife?

It is hoped that a young enthusiastic State Minister for Solar Power will encourage domestics to go for Solar Power and relieve the CEB and also lure the private sector, too, in his effort to popularise renewable sources of energy and make his dream come true to supply our neighbour India.

G. A. D. SIRIMAL

Boralesgamuwa