Importance of renewable energy sources for Sustainability of the Country

Shimara Azhar

In the contemporary world sustainability plays a major role which improves the quality-of-life perhaps with the innovation of the technology most of the people are moving towards the smart livings/ green living with the use of renewable energy sources. As we know that Sri Lanka has signed up on the Paris agreement toward the greenhouse emission goal, hence sustainable living shows and significant positive impact towards the said goal therefore it opens market for technologically developed smart infrastructure industry.

Globally there is an energy crisis due to dwindling of fossil fuel hence there is a demand for renewable energy sources and massive demand for sustainability hence most of the countries investing in Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration with the renewable energy resources perhaps there is a huge potential on the following smart technologies. Smart digitalize efficient buildings, smart cities, e-charging, and e- mobility, Electric vehicle, smart infrastructure, solar Windows cars, solar roads, solar transportation, Solar Water, Floatovoltaics, Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV), Microinverters, Power Tower Systems.

As a country we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint by generating electricity from clean, renewable sources. Renewable energy sources are as follows,

• Solar (photovoltaic, solar thermal)
• Wind
• Biogas (e.g., landfill gas/wastewater treatment digester gas)
• Geothermal
• Biomass
• Low-impact hydroelectricity
• Emerging technologies - wave and tidal power

Having said that Sri Lanka is geographically located in the equator; hence, the country is enriched with year-round strong absorption of the sun’s rays perhaps solar renewable energy is more sustainable energy sources in Sri Lanka.

Important facts;

• Sri Lanka annual total electricity demand is about 10,500 GWh Out of that Solar Energy contributes 3% for the total energy supply. Perhaps encourage the public and privet sector to use solar energy as the main energy source.
• Sri Lankas current primary energy mix in year 2020 (PJ) as, Biomass-172 Petroleum-202.2 Coal-70.5 Major Hydro-39.5 Renewable Energy 21.2. Conferring with the figures it proves that primary energy contribution is from Petroleum, though renewable energy contributes only 21.2 PJ hence there is a tremendous potential for renewable energy resource in future.
• According to the studies by the UN Development Program (UNDP) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) Sri Lanka government has a long-term plan to increase demand for solar energy and self-sufficiency by 2050 to carter the current and the future requirement of energy.
• In order to reduce greenhouse emissions and to way forward to reduce the future risk of climate change renewable energy sources plays a most important function.  
• Consumers should have a growth mindset – with curiosity, resilience, experimentation, and adaptability towards sustainable energy.
• In year 2016 “Sooryabala Sangramaya” was initiated to provide and encourage solar renewable energy nevertheless at present many Independent Power Producers (IPPs) supply electricity to CEB.
• By 2050 Sri Lanka sustainable energy authority plans to commence carbon neutral country by fulfilling total energy requirement by producing 100% electricity from renewable energy sources.

Having said that followings are few facts for the demand for renewable energy sources in the country,

• High costs of conventional energy, fossil fuel and coal.
• Demand increases for electronic vehicles.
• Intention of reducing carbon footprint by 0% emission.
• Demand for smart devices and smart applicants in daily use.
• Potential development on Smart houses, Smart cities, Smart Urban development, Amart electric rechargeable centers further to Argo Photovoltaic
• Demand for net metering and net accounting systems which encourage consumers on more financial benefits. 

Benefits of Renewable Energy

There are tremendous benefits to the country’s economy and for the environment using renewable energy sources. However, it generates energy with negative greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and reduces air pollution. It diversifies the energy supply further to decreasing the fuel imports at high cost alongside create more opportunities on economy development with innovative job openings.

Few interesting facts

• Clean energy has contributed to global decrease of approximately 12% in carbon emission.
• Over 40% of world’s energy consumption is through renewal source hence it’s a significant shift towards the sustainable energy.
• Leading countries like Iceland and Sweden rely on renewable energy resources hence 70% of the energy generates through renewable energy sources.
• Cutting edge technologies, such as advanced solar panels, energy storage solutions and smart grids enhanced the efficiency and reliability of clean energy systems.