Opinion

Does Minister Gammanpila contradict President on energy targets?

Published

3 years ago

2021/09/16

By CHANDRE DHARMAWARDANA

Energy Minister Udaya Gammanpila has told the Consultative Committee on Energy that Sri Lanka was “sitting on USD 267 billion worth of oil and gas hidden in the Mannar Basin”. Is the Minister abandoning the renewable energy targets of the President, and unwittingly planning to destroy the Palk Strait’s ecosystem (Rodriguez et al. 2007), and return to a future based on fossil fuels? Are we to breach the Paris accord, and spew pollution that the ADB costs at 7% lost GDP!

While the Minister dreams of under-sea oil and gas, the CEB and its apologists uphold coal and fossil fuels, while downplaying renewable energy prospects in Sri Lanka. Similarly, Professor Kumar David (KD), a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical Engineers, writes frequently on Energy policy and takes a pessimistic prognosis for renewable energy in Sri Lanka. KD agrees with the CEB plan to continue with coal and other fossil fuels for future decades. Specifically, KD claims that supplying even 70% of the “energy needed.” using renewable sources by 2030 is sheer fantasy.

However, identifying a problem is half-way to the solution. The Sunday Island (12-September-2021) carries yet another article by Prof. KD where he repeats his concerns. Let us use KD’s identification of the problems in renewable energy as a basis for further discussion.

1. Randomness and Unpredictability in Solar and Wind outputs

As KD puts it, “If wind or solar output falls quickly by a hefty amount, it is the same as the forced outage of a big unit like Victoria or Norochcholai, and the shock to the system is similar”.

Victoria is a 210 MW facility, while most solar installations are small rooftop installations. KD rightly targets the ADB installed 100 MW wind farm in Mannar, significantly in the path of migratory birds. Wind energy installations have unknown unpredictable and NON-LOCAL environmental effects. I am no fan of wind energy and oppose large wind installations!

In contrast, solar energy installations have only LOCAL environmental effects, and I have argued for smaller “distributed” solar installations, positioned on about 5-15% of Sri Lanka’s inland water surfaces, rather than on land. Floating solar and roof top solar units have small power outputs, compared to the Victoria hydro-power plant! They can be installed rapidly, without the decades of planning and construction needed for fossil-fuel plants.

Big lenders like the ADB go for big Wind or Solar plants, and fail to understand the need for “distributed power”. Instead of a large solar plant, producing 100 MW and occupying a huge area in one location, let it be small solar plants (e.g., 5-10 MW) distributed all over the island. So, when clouds cover Mannar, the sun may shine in Monaragala or Hambantota. Although the output of each solar plant may fluctuate, the SUM of the many many solar plants DISTRIBUTED over the island will average to a steadier power output – the central limit theorem!

The problem envisaged by Professor KD is created when the CEB and the ADB opt for a 100 MW wind-power plant, without setting up similar plants in several places that balance out freak fluctuations. Such balance is out as Lanka lacks contrasting sites that can support 100 MW solar or wind farms. In contrast, Lanka has sufficient potential in deploying FLOATING SOLAR PANELS at 5-10 mw level and should prioritise floating solar.

Cloud cover fluctuations occur at the scale of many minutes, whereas a crest of electrical energy from panels in Mannar, can combine with a trough of energy from panels in Monaragala in less than a thousandth of a second, because electricity travels effectively at the speed of light.

Optimally handling power fluctuations in distributed arrays is a mature subject. In Hawaii too, the erratic fluctuations in solar energy, due to changing cloud cover is a problem. According to Dave Renne of the US-National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Colorado, the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative set up a measurement system and data sourcing that enabled the NREL team “to set up a solar-monitoring network that simulates exactly how clouds would impact a large photovoltaic system”. While Hawaii can profit from the US satellite data available to one-second precision, neither the CEB nor the sustainable energy organisations in Sri Lanka have any such data capability. Such research shortcomings can only be overcome by setting up a power-research institute (PRI), where an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers will work on these frontier problems.

In the following I argue that Sri Lanka can use its unique Hydro-power reservoir system for storing solar power, generated during the day by shutting off some turbines and conserving the corresponding amount of water in the reservoir for later use. Batteries are NOT needed.

2. Poor Sunshine in Sri Lanka

Prof. KD says that Sri Lanka is “not the Gobi Desert, Atacama or the Australian outbacks”. Interestingly, the available sunshine data for Sri Lanka are largely from US satellites and from scientists at the NREL in Colorado. Dave Renne et al. of NREL notes that the tropical clouds and humidity are a drawback except in certain times of the year, and yet conclude that “the annual results for Sri Lanka range from 4.5 to 6.0 kWh/sq. meters/day (and that)..the study shows that ample resources exist throughout the year for virtually all locations in Sri Lanka and the Maldives for PV applications. So, the NREL experts are, in my view, in contradiction to Dr. Kumar David.

3. Saturation of Renewable Energy Sources

Apologists for fossil fuels claim that sources of renewable energy in Lanka are already “saturated”, while the demand for power is “ever growing”. According to them, there are no more rivers to dam, no good windy sites, and no readily available land for solar farms.

The Floating Solar Option

There are ample crown-owned water surfaces in Lanka for installing floating solar panels. The density of reservoirs (230 ha for every 100 sq. km of land area) in Sri Lanka is the highest in the world. Additionally, placing floating panels on reservoirs SAVES loss of water by evaporation, boosting hydro-power outputs and agricultural water by as much as 30%.

The floating panels reduce the sunlight falling on the water and curb algae, aquatic weeds, and aquatic oxygen depletion (c.f., Exley et al., Solar Energy, Volume 219, 2021). The use of even 20% surface coverage is environmentally beneficial and aquatic organisms thrive better.

The current population of 21.2m is expected to reach a plateau of 22m (plus or minus 3%) by 2039 and then decrease. Hence, we anticipate a maximum power demand of 44 Terawatt hours (TWh) per annum for Sri Lanka, if Lankan’s are to enjoy the same standard of living as in the EU, with a per capita power consumption of 2000 Kwh per annum. The present supply is 16.6TWh from the existing hydroelectric and fossil-fuel power stations. Rounding off the 44TWh upwards to 50TWh, as the maximum ceiling of power needed, we need to generate an ADDITIONAL 34TWh to satisfy Lanka’s power needs to reach EU life standards in 2039, when the population peaks.

According to Professor David “The output for a one square-kilometre site in Puttalam, the NCP, NP or Hambantota will be about 150 GWh per year” ((https://www.colombotelegraph.com/index.php/impediments-to-a-better-ceb/)

Hence, generating the additional 34TWh will need an area of about 22,666 ha. The area occupied by major lakes, rivers and reservoirs in Sri Lanka is 375,000 ha (c.f., Somasundaram et al 2020), with some 160,000 ha covered by reservoirs (tanks). That is, covering a mere 14% of the available reservoir surfaces with floating solar, is sufficient to achieve the EU standard of consumption of electricity at the peak of Sri Lanka’s population growth.

Prof. KD’s estimate of 150 GWh per sq. km of solar is based on the current photo-voltaics with an efficiency of about 10%. High end cells (e. g, used for space applications) already operate at 40- 50% and will become standard within a decade.

Unlike in 2009 when these ideas were first suggested (see https://dh-web.org/place.names/posts/dev-tech-2009.ppt) to officials of the Presidential Secretariat by the author, today an even stronger case exists for running a pilot project.

In conclusion, with solar cells at 10%-50% efficiency, a mere 14%-3% coverage of the available reservoir surfaces with floating solar panels would be sufficient to meet ALL of Sri Lanka’s future power needs, at a per capita consumption of 2000kWh per annum, even when the population peaks in 2039, assuring even an EU standard of living.

All News Advertisement

Opinion

LG polls, what a waste of money!

Published

2 days ago

2025/03/13

Sahan Weerasooriya

If the people of this country were asked whether they want elections to the local government, majority of them would say no! How many years have elapsed since the local councils became defunct? And did not the country function without these councils that were labelled as ‘white elephants’?

If the present government’s wish is to do the will of the people, they should reconsider having local government elections. This way the government will not only save a considerable amount of money on holding elections, but also save even a greater amount by not having to maintain these local councils, which have become a bane on the country’s economy.

One would hope that the country will be able to get rid of these local councils and revert back to the days of having competent Government Agents and a team of dedicated government officials been tasked with the responsibility of attending to the needs of the people in those areas.

M. Joseph A. Nihal Perera

Opinion

What not to do

Published

3 days ago

2025/03/12

Sahan Weerasooriya

Trump and Zelensky arguing in the White House

By Dr Upul Wijayawardhana

It is immaterial whether you like him or not but one thing is crystal clear; Donald Trump has shown, very clearly, who is the boss. Surely, presidents of two countries are equal; perhaps, that is the impression Volodymyr Zelensky had when he went to the White House to meet Trump but the hard reality, otherwise, would have dawned on him with his inglorious exit! True, the behaviour of President Trump and VP Vance were hardly praiseworthy but Zelensky did what exactly he should not do. Afterall, he was on a begging mission and beggars cannot be choosers! He behaved like professional beggars in Colombo who throw money back when you give a small amount!!

Despite the risk of belonging to the minority, perhaps of non-Americans, I must say that I quite like Trump and admire him as a straight-talking politician. He keeps to his words; however atrocious they sound! Unfortunately, most critics overlook the fact that what Trump is doing is exactly what he pledged during his election campaign and that the American voters elected him decisively. When he lost to Biden, all political commentators wrote him off, more so because of his refusal to admit defeat and non-condemnation of his supporters who rioted. When he announced his intention to contest, it only evoked pundits’ laughter as they concluded that the Republican Party would never nominate him. Undaunted, Trump got the party to rally round him and won a non-consecutive second term; a feat achieved only once before, by Grover Cleveland around the end of the nineteenth century. His victory, against all predictions, was more decisive as he got more collegiate votes and, even though it does not matter, won the popular vote too which he did not get when he got elected the first term. Even his bitterest critics should accept this fact.

Zelensky was elected the president of Ukraine after the elected pro-Soviet president was deposed by a ‘peoples revolution’ engineered by the EU with the support of USA. After this, the EU attempted to bring Ukraine to NATO, disregarding the Munich agreement which precipitated the Russian invasion. He should have realised that, if not for the air-defence system which Trump authorised for Ukraine during his first term, Russian invasion would have been complete. It may well be that he was not aware as when this happened Zelensky may still have been the comedian acting the part of the president! Very likely, Trump was referring to this when he accused Zelensky of being ungrateful.

Zelensky also should have remembered that he disregarded requests from Trump, after his defeat by Biden, to implicate Biden’s son in some shady deals in Ukraine and that one of the last acts of Biden was to pardon his son and grant immunity to cover the alleged period. Perhaps, actions of the European leaders who embrace him every time they see him, as a long-lost brother, and invitations to address their parliaments has induced an element of the superiority complex in Zelensky that he behaved so combative.

Trump wanted to be the mediator to stop the war and spoke to Putin first. Instead of waiting for Trump to speak to him, egged on by EU leaders Zelensky started criticising Trump for not involving him in the talks. His remark “He should be on our side” demonstrated clearly that Zelensky had not understood the role of a mediator. His lack of political experience was the major reason for the fiasco in the White House and the subsequent actions of Trump clearly showed Zelensky where he stands! PM Starmer and President Macron seem to have given some sensible advice and he seems to be eating humble pie. In the process Trump has ensured that the European nations pay for their defence than piggy-backing on the US, which I am sure would please the American voter. By the way, though Macron talks big about defence France spends less than 2% of GDP. Trump seems vindicated. Of course, Trump could be blamed for being undiplomatic but he can afford to be as he has the upper hand!

Ranil on Al Jazeera

Zelensky has shown what not to do: instead of being diplomatic being aggressive when you need favours! Meanwhile, Ranil has shown what not to do when it comes to TV interviews. God only knows who advised him, and why, for him to go ‘Head to Head’ with Mehdi Hasan on Al-Jazeera. Perhaps, he wanted to broadcast to the world that he was the saviour of Sri Lanka! The experienced politician he is, one would have expected Ranil to realise that he would be questioned about his role in making Sri Lanka bankrupt as well, in addition to raising other issues.

The interview itself was far from head to head; more likely heads to head! It turned out to be an inquisition by Tiger supporters and the only person who spoke sense being Niraj Deva, who demonstrated his maturity by being involved in British and EU politics. The worst was the compere who seems keen to listen his own voice, reminding me of a Sinhala interviewer on a YouTube channel whose interviews I have stopped watching!

Ranil claims, after the interview was broadcast, that it had been heavily edited reduced from a two-hour recording. Surely, despite whatever reason he agreed to, he should have laid ground rules. He could have insisted on unedited broadcast or his approval before broadcast, if it was edited. It was very naïve of Ranil to have walked in to a trap for no gain. Though his performance was not as bad as widely reported, he should have been more composed at the beginning as he turned out to be later. Overall, he gave another opportunity for the Tiger rump and its supporters to bash Sri Lanka, unfortunately.

Medhi Hasan should watch some of David Frost interviews, especially the one with Richard Nixon, and learn how to elicit crucial information in a gentle exploratory manner than shouting with repeated interruptions. He does not seem to think it is necessary to give time for the interviewee to respond to his questions. I will never watch Al-Jazeera’s “Head to Head” again!

Ranil’s best was his parting shot; when asked by Hasan whether he would contest the next presidential election, he said “No, I will retire and watch Al-Jazeera and hope to see you better mannered”!

Opinion

Ajahn Brahm to visit SL in May 2025

Published

4 days ago

2025/03/11

Sahan Weerasooriya

The Ajahn Brahm Society of Sri Lanka (ABSSL) is pleased to announce that Ajahn Brahm will be visiting Sri Lanka for a short stay in May this year. Many, both Buddhists and non-Buddhists, know him and have listened to his addresses made on earlier visits, including his 2023 public talk at the BMICH, which was attended by over 4,000 people.

Ajahn Brahmavamso, popularly known as Ajahn Brahm, is the Head Abbot of Bodhinyana Monastery in Serpentine, Perth. He was a pupil of the famous Thai forest monk Ajahn Chah, considered the best Theravada meditation teacher in the last century. By his own choice, Ajahn Brahmavamso shortened his name and was extra pleased that the initials represent the major religions of the world. He is renowned world-wide as an outstanding meditation bhikkhu, teacher and instructor, guiding thousands of practitioners.

As in previous visits, Ajahn Brahm’s schedule will be packed with addresses, meetings with senior professionals, business leaders, and researchers. This year, a special session has been included for teenagers and young adults.

The agenda planned for him includes:

Public address at the BMICH to all irrespective of religion and age; then to a younger audience.

· Exclusive Leadership Forum for senior professionals and business leaders.

· Forum with academics engaged in research at the Centre for Meditation Research, University of Colombo.

· A week-long meditation retreat for the Ven Sangha and experienced lay meditators.

Public Addresses

The public addresses will be on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 7:00 am to 11:00 am, at the BMICH Main Hall and Sirimavo Halls; Ajahn Brahm moving from one hall to another so the entire audience sees him. Each hall will be well equipped with audio and video presentation. The first address: The Art of Meaningful Living, is designed for all, age notwithstanding, offering wisdom and practical insights for a fulfilling life. The second: Coping with Life Transitions and Emotional Challenges, is a special session tailored for teens and young adults, addressing key challenges faced by them in today’s fast-paced, competitive world. Both talks will be in English, with concise translation to Sinhala by Ven Damita Thera.

Exclusive Forums

On Saturday, May 17, 2025, two exclusive forums will be held at the BMICH Committee Room, Jasmine Hall. The first such session will be with eighty invited Sri Lankan academics and scientists engaged in research on meditation at the Centre for Meditation Research of the University of Colombo. This will be followed in the evening by an interactive session for a hundred invited senior professionals and business leaders, featuring a talk on leadership followed by a Q&A session.

Meditation Retreat

The most significant item on Ajahn Brahm’s programme will be a week-long meditation retreat at the Barberyn Waves Ayurveda Resort in Weligama. Focus is intended to be on the fifty members of the Ven Sangha. A limited number of experienced lay meditators will also have the opportunity to participate.

Participation & Registration

Those interested in attending the public talks at the BMICH are kindly advised to register at to secure free passes. For further information, please contact the Ajahn Brahm Society of Sri Lanka at .