Solar industry: Future of Sri Lanka

THE average electricity generation was 16,802 GWh in 2024.

- By Rozan Jameel and Dr. Susil Kumara Silva

The demand for electricity is expected to increase approximately by 5 to 6% every year. Therefore, there would be about 40% total increase in electricity demand by 2030. The contribution of fossil fuel sources was 44.8% ofthe total generation as of 2024, Sri Lanka still heavily depends on fossil fuels for generating electricity.The fossil fuel is costly, high-risk, and less sustainable from both the economic and environmental concervation points of view. The other major contributor was hydropower, which is 36.7% in 2024. There are limitations and challenges that hinder increasing the capacity cof hydropower too. The wind power contribution was less than 5%, and the recent protest against the wind farm project in Mannar District highlights implementation challenges. Solar contribution was 13.7% in 2024, There are ongoing discussions on establishing nuclear plants and further expanding wind power, et. to fulfill the increasing demand, but there are considerable challenges in implementing such projects. With rapid development of solar technology and a country having an abundance of sunshine, Srilanka has huge potential for expanding solar energy. Sri Lanka's annual solar irradiation ranges from 1,642 to 2,190 kWh per square meter (Bandara and Amarasena, 2020; Chen et al., 2018). Therefore, it is more lucrative and practical for Sri Lanka to increase solar usage to meet increasing demand. The transition from mainly fossil fuels to renewable energy like solar would ensure energy independence, economic sustainability, and environmental conservation.

Global outlook of solar energy and technology