SL's Solar PV Sector, Led by Rooftop Solar, Poised to Achieve 2030 Climate Goals: Expert

Sri Lanka's solar PV sector, particularly driven by the rooftop solar industry, is on track to fulfill the country’s 2030 climate commitments, which include sourcing 75 percent of its energy requirements from renewable sources, according to an expert.

Prof. Asanka S. Rodrigo, former Director General of the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority and a professor in the Electrical Engineering Department at the University of Moratuwa, highlighted that Sri Lanka has already surpassed its 2025 solar PV target of 1,000 MW under the 'Sooriyabala Sangaramaya' program.

"In the post-COVID era, we have been achieving approximately 150 MW annually. However, as of July this year, we have already surpassed 216 MW for the year. With a few months remaining, we are optimistic about reaching even higher capacities. To meet the 2030 climate targets, we need to generate around 4,700 MW from solar PV by 2030," he said.

He acknowledged that this is a significant challenge, requiring a fourfold increase in capacity compared to what has been achieved so far over the past six years. Nonetheless, he remains confident, suggesting that achieving these targets is feasible with an annual addition of 500-600 MW.

Prof. Rodrigo made these remarks during a keynote speech at a Colombo event, where the strategic partnership between Sri Lanka’s E.B. Creasy Solar, the renewable energy arm of E.B. Creasy, and China-based SUNGROW was announced.

He noted that the government's introduction of net accounting and net plus schemes under the Sooriyabala Sangaramaya program has significantly contributed to the sector's success. "The introduction of net accounting and net plus allowed individuals to earn from excess energy, leading to a substantial growth in solar PV installations," he explained.

Prof. Rodrigo highlighted ongoing and upcoming projects in ground-mounted and floating solar sectors that will contribute to meeting the 2030 targets. "We are discussing projects with about 700 MW in ground-mounted solar and have two pilot floating solar projects in Hambantota, each with 1 MW capacity, nearing commissioning. Utilizing a portion of our lakes for floating solar could contribute significantly to our targets," he concluded.