Renewable Energy Resources Development State Minister Duminda Dissanayake said that the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) will prepare power supply development plans taking into account the Government’s target to meet 70 per cent of the electricity that the country needs with renewable energy sources by 2030.
The State Minister was explaining how the Sustainable Energy Authority expects to develop renewable energy by using mini hydro electricity generation, solar systems, wind power and biomass based electricity generation.
The State Minister said that a mega wind power generation plant is commissioned in Mannar to cater to the national grid with 103 MW. “The Mannar sea pillar-top wind power generation plants will be constructed, and they will produce 2000-3000 MW to transmit surplus production to India,” the State Minister said.
The State Minister said 36,000 families have no electricity now. “The Government will provide them with electricity before long. Four remote areas have been earmarked to provide power supply from solar power plants, and Rs.750 million has been allocated for the project. Suitable landscapes will be earmarked to construct 100 MW and 400 MW solar power plants in Moneragala and Pooneryn, the State Minister said.
“Implementing rural solar power plants is one of our major targets. We will encourage 1,000 rural entrepreneurs to set up plants for adding 1,000 MW to the National Grid. Those who can't afford Rs. 12 million could get loans from banks sans any down payment. They could pay back from the income they earn by selling their production to the CEB. We are providing roof- top solar systems for Sumurdhi recipients and 300,000 Samurdhi beneficiary families will get the same in next three years, the State Minister said.
