Wind power: Essential element of renewable energy mix for Sri Lanka

THIS is a rebuttal to the article titled “Policy brief for Sri Lankan Govt.: Call to re-evaluate wind energy strategies for sustainable future” by Hiran Daluwatta (HD) that was published in the DFT on 21 April 2025 (https://www.ft.lk/opinion/Policy-brief-for-Sri-Lankan-Govt-Call-to-re-evaluate-wind-energy-strategies-for-sustainable-future/14-775601). HD presents wind power in negative light with erroneous remarks and claims that wind energy is not the optimal solution for achieving long-term energy security for SL. Responses to opinions expressed by HD are presented below:

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Harnessing wind resources remains a priority for SL in the endeavour to attain renewable energy dominance within the next decade.

Studies on wind resources in SL, technological advances in the wind industry, and operational experience of wind farms globally and in SL makes further development of wind power an attractive proposition.

As of 2024, the installed wind power capacity in SL is 267 MW with the CEB operating a 103.5 MW capacity plant in Mannar and IPPs operating plants totalling 163.5 MW of capacity in Puttalam, Kilinochchi and Mannar.

Concerns about “inconsistent and weak winds”

HD’s outlandish remark, “undeniable constraint of inconsistent and weak winds” does not align with the continuing and fast paced development of wind resources in southern India that shares a similar monsoon seasons driven wind characteristic experienced in SL.

Studies conducted in Sri Lanka to date have indicated a theoretical potential to harness up to 20,000 MW of land-based wind power capacity. A 2017 report by ADB titled Assessment of Sri Lanka’s Power Sector-100 percent Electricity Generation through Renewable Energy by 2050, allotted 15,000 MW of capacity to be met through wind energy.

As the demand for wind power has grown, the wind industry has evolved rapidly with technological advances contributing to the emergence of larger, more efficient machines that have led to a reduced cost of energy generated.