Business
Advancing solar PV integration: A vision for a sustainable energy future
During the Eng. (Prof.) R. H. Paul Memorial Oration 2025, Prof. Lilantha Samaranayake emphasised the urgent need for advanced solar photovoltaic (PV) integration to create a resilient and sustainable energy future. Speaking on the Future of Renewable Energy, he highlighted projections from the International Energy Agency (IEA) that forecast global renewable electricity generation will exceed 17,000 TWh by 2030, representing an almost 90% increase from 2023. Solar PV is anticipated to become the leading source of renewable electricity, followed by wind and hydroelectric power.
Sri Lanka has set an ambitious target of achieving 100% renewable energy. Policymakers are working towards a people-centric, equitable, and affordable energy transition. The government also aims to reduce electricity tariffs by 30% within five years, though no specific timeline has been set for net-zero emissions.
Challenges in Solar PV Integration—While renewable energy adoption is increasing, challenges remain. A major issue is grid stability due to solar energy’s intermittent nature. Grid stability refers to the ability of an electrical power grid to maintain a consistent voltage and frequency while balancing electricity supply and demand. One of the main challenges with integrating solar energy into the grid is its intermittent nature, meaning that solar power generation fluctuates depending on sunlight availability. This variability can cause instability in the grid.
Why is Solar Energy Intermittent? Solar panels generate electricity only when exposed to sunlight. At night, there is no generation, requiring alternative power sources. Cloud cover, rain, and seasonal changes affect solar energy output. On cloudy days, solar generation can drop suddenly, causing fluctuations in power supply. Unlike conventional power plants that provide a steady output, solar energy can vary within minutes, making it challenging to maintain a stable power flow.
How Does This Affect Grid Stability? The Electricity grids operate at a specific frequency (e.g., 50 Hz or 60 Hz). A sudden drop in solar power generation can lead to a decrease in frequency, potentially causing power outages. Solar energy injections can cause voltage levels to rise or drop unpredictably, affecting equipment performance and consumer supply quality. Traditional power plants have rotating generators that provide inertia, helping to stabilise the grid. Solar PV systems do not have this natural inertia, making the grid more susceptible to instability.
Prof. Samaranayake explained that Sri Lanka’s current power generation mix, as of November 2024, includes:
27% from hydroelectric power
19.6% from rooftop solar
14.3% from coal
13.6% from oil
5.1% from private oil plants
Smaller contributions from wind, biomass, and other renewable sources
A key concern is the lack of inertia in renewable energy sources. Unlike conventional power plants, solar and wind do not provide inherent grid stability, leading to frequency fluctuations.
Prof. Samaranayake proposed an innovative solution for grid stability: implementing Virtual Inertia using advanced power electronic control systems. This approach mimics the stabilising effect of traditional rotating generators, ensuring a steady frequency supply in the grid.
Other potential solutions include:
Adding rotating machines such as LNG or nuclear power plants
Energy storage systems like pumped storage, flywheels, and large-scale battery systems
Enhancing grid regulations to support the integration of rooftop solar PV systems
The introduction of advanced Virtual Inertia technology is expected to complement regulatory changes that relax statutory voltage limits and improve the quality of electricity supply.
Another controversial yet forward-looking strategy discussed was the possibility of nuclear energy. According to sources from the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board (SLAEB), the country’s first nuclear power plant, leveraging integral pressurized water reactor (iPWR) technology, could be operational by 2032. Given Sri Lanka’s proximity to India, which already operates nuclear plants, proponents argue that nuclear energy could be a viable option for stabilizing the power grid.
Prof. Samaranayake stressed the need for a holistic approach, as solar PV continues to be vital to Sri Lanka’s energy future. This involves investing in energy storage, enhancing grid infrastructure, and enacting regulatory reforms. He called on policymakers, engineers, and the public to collaborate in creating a more sustainable and resilient energy landscape.
The Eng. (Prof.) R. H. Paul Memorial Oration reminds us of engineering and innovation’s critical role in tackling global energy challenges. With strategic planning and technological advancements, Sri Lanka can pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
The oration paid tribute to the late Prof. R. H. Paul, a distinguished academic and former Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, who made significant contributions to electrical and electronic engineering in Sri Lanka. His legacy continues to inspire advancements in the energy sector.
In a world where every strong cuppa tells a unique story, Sri Lanka’s famed Ceylon Tea continues to carve its legacy – one cup at a time. The latest tea export figures for March 2025 reveal a tale of resilience, with total shipments rising to 23.43 million kilograms, up from 21.25 million kgs the previous year.
But the real headline is; Libya’s staggering 416% surge in Ceylon Tea imports – marking a bold new chapter in Sri Lanka’s tea trade. While traditional markets like Iraq and Russia held steady, Libya emerged as the ‘breakout star’, importing 5.31 million kgs in the first quarter of 2025 – a jaw-dropping leap from just 1.03 million kgs in 2024.
This explosive growth signals a burgeoning demand for Sri Lanka’s premium leaves in North Africa, where the rich, aromatic flavors of Ceylon Tea are winning hearts and palates.
Quadrupling Libya’s appetite for Ceylon Tea even in challenging global markets, is reflecting the fact that Sri Lanka’s tea can find loyal fans in evolving markets.
However, while the export values shine in USD terms, the rupee value of tea exports dipped slightly – a stark reminder of currency fluctuations impacting export earnings. Yet, the broader trend remains positive for Ceylon Tea, with cumulative exports for Q1 2025 reaching 63.21 million kgs, up from 62.33 million kgs last year.
Key markets like Iraq (+7%) and Chile (+41%) showed strong growth, while Russia and the UAE saw mild declines. Meanwhile, Tea Bags and Instant Tea have posted gains even in rupee terms – marking a bright spot in an otherwise mixed landscape, where Tea in Bulk and Green Tea segments have witnessed a decline against the same period of the previous year.
On the production front, tea production for the month of March 2025 totalled 24.43 M/Kgs, showing an increase of 4.86 M/Kgs vis-à-vis 19.57 M/Kgs of March 2024. All elevations showed an increase in comparison with the corresponding month of 2024.
“As Sri Lanka’s tea industry navigates global headwinds, the increase in production and Libya’s soaring demand could offer a breather,” analysts said.
(Source: Forbes & Walker Pvt Ltd, Sri Lanka Customs, Central Bank of Sri Lanka)
By Sanath Nanayakkare
Photo Credit: Sri Lanka Executive Aviation Services
In a groundbreaking collaboration set to transform Sri Lanka’s premium coffee landscape, Fits Retail has partnered with retail giant Abans PLC to showcase the iconic DeLonghi coffee machines at two of Colombo’s most prestigious locations: Abans Elite Colombo 3 and Abans Havelock City Mall showrooms.
This exclusive partnership presents a rare opportunity for coffee aficionados to experience firsthand why DeLonghi has become synonymous with coffee perfection worldwide.
With a heritage spanning over 100 years, DeLonghi proudly holds the title as the number one coffee machine brand in more than 46 countries, celebrated globally for its exceptional quality, innovation, and unrivaled Italian craftsmanship. Fits Retail’s collaboration with Abans PLC brings these legendary machines directly to Sri Lankan coffee enthusiasts, creating immersive experience zones designed to elevate everyday coffee moments into extraordinary rituals.
At these dedicated demonstration zones, visitors can discover the unparalleled precision engineering and user-friendly technology that have made DeLonghi machines the preferred choice for discerning coffee lovers in more than 46 countries worldwide.
Business
Ceyline Group and Lion Brewery Forge a Sustainable Future with Eco-Friendly Warehousing and Distribution.
Ceyline Total Solutions, the end-to-end logistic solutions provider of Sri Lanka’s leading maritime and logistics group Ceyline, has built Lion Brewery’s first sustainability-focused warehousing and distribution center in just 100 days.
Located in Tangalle, the facility reflects a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. Half of the structure is made from repurposed shipping containers, reducing both waste and carbon emissions. The project, executed by Ceyline’s brand for sustainable living spaces “Out of the Box” features interior fittings made from recycled and reused brewery waste materials, maximizing sustainability and cost efficiency. Ceyline also has already applied for CEB approval to install solar power for the facility to ensure its operation is powered by clean and green energy.
Lion Brewery will further its mission for an efficient and eco-friendly supply chain by incorporating elements such as electric forklifts, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient lighting.
This collaboration not only delivers a pioneering green logistics facility but also sets a new benchmark for sustainable warehousing in Sri Lanka. It showcases the power of collaborative innovation in driving responsible industrial development.
Kaveen Gayathma, Senior Vice President (Outbound Logistics) of Lion Brewery, added, “This project further strengthens our distinctive ‘route-to-market’ approach. Our collective efforts in conceptualizing,
drafting, and crafting have culminated in the creation of a truly one-of-a-kind model. The company’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability is clearly demonstrated here, all while achieving our strategic objectives in a practical and cost-effective manner.”
PM pays condolence to pope Francis at the Embassy of the Vatican in Colombo
President conducts an inspection tour of Kandy city
Sri Lankan delegation meets with US Trade Representative
-
Business7 days agoDIMO pioneers major fleet expansion with Tata SIGNA Prime Movers for ILM
-
News6 days agoFamily discovers rare species thought to be extinct for over a century in home garden
-
Features4 days agoRuGoesWild: Taking science into the wild — and into the hearts of Sri Lankans
-
Foreign News6 days agoChina races robots against humans in Beijing half marathon
-
Editorial7 days agoSelective use of PTA
-
News3 days agoOrders under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruptions Act No. 9 of 2023 for concurrence of parliament
-
Features5 days agoNew species of Bronzeback snake, discovered in Sri Lanka
-
Features6 days agoThe ironies of history