AmCham and USAID collaborate with SLINTEC to accelerate growth of country’s renewable energy sector

The AmCham team visiting SLINTEC 

The  USAID team visiting SLINTEC

Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC), the first public-private research institute in Sri Lanka and the pioneer in nano and advanced technology research in the country, recently concluded two successful discussions and visits with AmCham and USAID, to initiate collaborations where they will work with both organisations to contribute towards the innovation and growth of the renewable energy sector in Sri Lanka. 

AmCham Sri Lanka is one of the most influential business chambers in the island and is recognised as the leading forum for promoting and developing trade, investment, and economic ties between Sri Lanka and the US, whilst USAID is the world’s premier international development agency and a catalytic for supporting the Government of Sri Lanka’s efforts to promote inclusive economic growth, strengthen its democratic systems, and support marginalised and disaster-affected communities.

The discussions with AmCham were primarily focused on how SLINTEC could collaborate as their strategic technology partner and work on projects to address some of the key issues faced by their membership companies that primarily include ocean cleaning, renewable energy and water purification technologies.

With nano and advanced technologies which is a key area of specialisation at SLINTEC, key project prospects examined during the meeting were in utilising renewable sources of energy to help the country mitigate climate change, build resilience to volatile prices, and lower energy costs as well as water purification using nano and advanced technology that can be used for the removal of sediments, chemical effluents, charged particles, bacteria and other pathogens.

The AmCham delegation visiting SLINTEC consisted of General Manager and Head of Chamber Vrai Raymond, Avisha Fernando and Harish Sagar Kamalakumar. 

The discussion with USAID centred on the USAID energy program aimed at transforming Sri Lanka’s electricity industry into one that is market-based, secure, reliable, and sustainable, while promoting investments and increasing access to funding in order to proliferate renewable energy and advanced technologies.

A key aspect of the collaborative research with SLINTEC will be to find effective methods to store the power generated by solar and wind energy, centring on the development of enhanced batteries with high capacity and performance. Following on the heels of this effort in the future would be the development of new energy electric automobiles. This would involve introducing renewable energy electric vehicle technology to replace conventional fuel vehicles. 

In addressing this initiative, SLINTEC emphasised on the requirement of setting up of a proper battery testing facility equipped with sophisticated battery testing instruments. As the institute has the capacity to provide all the services required for the task, including battery technology with reduced environmental impact and prolonged cycle life, industry-leading expertise on material science and advance material characterisation facility, SLINTEC could serve as a one-stop shop for battery related matters. 

Members of the USAID delegation visiting SLINTEC included Sri Lanka Energy Program Chief of Party Rick Whitaker, Kosala Gunawardana, Chanaka Wickramasuriya, Dhanika de Silva, Neelika Tillekeratne, Nadeera Wijesinghe and Jinesha J. Kodikara.

The SLINTEC team at both occasions was headed by CEO Dr. Nareshkumar B. Handagama.

In line with the efforts of AmCham and USAID, SLINTEC aims to contribute towards innovation and growth of the renewable energy sector to support Sri Lanka’s journey towards development while paving the way for a sustainable future.