Largest renewable energy project launched

Sri Lanka’s largest renewable energy project, the ‘Rvidanavi’ Solar Power Park project was launched in Siyambalanduwa today by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The project is a step towards achieving the target of fulfilling 70% of the country’s electricity demand from renewable energy by 2030.

The project, which will add 100 MW of capacity to the national electricity grid, involves an investment of USD 140 million.

The project, being built on a land area of approximately 500 acres in the Kotiyagala Grama Niladhari Division of the Siyambalanduwa Divisional Secretariat in the Monaragala District, is the first project for which the Sustainable Energy Authority has provided the project site, access roads and all relevant approvals to the investor.

Sri Lanka’s annual electricity consumption stands at around 15,000–16,000 GWh. Through this project, 219 GWh will be added to the national grid each year. Consequently, the country will be able to save foreign exchange worth Rs. 21 billion annually, which would otherwise be spent on diesel imports for power generation. On average, this translates to a foreign exchange saving of Rs. 41 million per acre, the President’s Media Division said.

The Rividanavi project, is also expected to reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by about 150,000 metric tonnes.

As the project also includes a 12 MWh battery storage facility, it is expected to provide strong support in maintaining stability within the national electricity system.

In addition to the solar power park, a new 132 kV transmission system stretching 27 kilometres will be constructed to connect the generated electricity to the grid. This will be the first power project in the country where the investor builds the transmission system. A new 132 kV grid substation is also to be established in the Monaragala area.

Constructed according to international standards, the project is being implemented by “Rivi Danavi” Private Company, jointly established by Lakdhanavi Ltd. and WindForce PLC. Work on the project is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2027, enhancing Sri Lanka’s energy independence and security.