Sri Lanka: First commercial wind power plant soon

The total capacity of the wind power project is 30 megawatts. It is projected to be completed in three phases. Each phase will supply 10 megawatts to the national grid.

The wind farm is equipped with eight wind turbines. It has created jobs for around 40 employees. Although the capital investment is high, the running cost is much less compared to hydropower generation, said Senok Group Financial Director, Pancherine Dias.

There is much scope to develop 500 megawatts in the next five years in Sri Lanka. Within the next five to six years wind energy will be a sustainable industry in the country, he added.

There are many wind sites in the North and North Eastern parts of Sri Lanka that could be developed for wind power generation. The national grid is able to take in 10 percent of its energy from renewable energy, the Financial Director, further said.

Senok was involved in developing wind energy in Sri Lanka for the last 10 years. The company came up with the idea of setting up the wind power park due to a corporate objective of diversification.

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