First AHK Sri Lanka Solar Conference on self-sufficiency of buildings with solar energy in Colombo

On the occasion of the visit of a delegation of German solar experts and business representatives to Sri Lanka, the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) and about 100 representatives of businesses and institutions from both countries, attended the conference on self-sufficiency of buildings with solar energy on 26 March in Colombo.

The event and business delegation are part of the program “Energy Solutions made in Germany” of the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy.  Besides opportunities for Sri Lankan-German cooperation, crucial technical topics such as system integration, storage technologies and financing instruments were discussed.

German Industry and Commerce Chief Delegate Andreas Hergenroether highlighted the longstanding success story of Renewables in Germany: “In the first half of 2018 the share of renewable energies in the energy mix was 38% and almost 10% in solar energy. During the last years highly specialised German solar companies have gained international reputation as market leaders. Sri Lanka with its public commitment to renewables could benefit from the know-how of German solution providers.”

Representatives of the German Section of the International Solar Energy Society (ISES) and the German Association for energy storage technologies gave an overview on the latest innovations on system integration and storage technologies. Matthias Ross, CEO of Berlin-based manufacturer AUTARSYS of containerised energy storage systems (ESS) for renewable energy applications, stated: “Our technology makes renewable systems more energy efficient and cost-effective, with the capacity to increase the share of renewables up to 100%.” Furthermore, German engineering company VSAT specialised in the installation of micro-solar systems and already engaged in a project with the Sri Lankan police, Team Blau GmbH - specialised in energy management consulting and NRG4.you, offering system integration and set up and maintenance of solar power plants, were presenting their respective portfolios. All German companies are currently searching for Sri Lankan partners to join efforts to develop solar projects in the country.

As a member of the Vulnerable Climate Forum, Sri Lanka committed itself to generate the entire power demand of the country by renewable energies until 2050.  Several projects in the field of solar energy have been announced lately by Sri Lankan Government officials in the media. Current electricity consumption in Sri Lanka increases yearly by more than 5%, electricity cuts have been announced and partially already experienced for 2019. Solar energy could be a short-term alternative to meet the current demand and equally on a long-term basis a sustainable alternative to increase the percentage in energy self-sufficiency.

AHK Sri Lanka is part of the AHK German Chamber network with 142 offices around the world and 79 CCIs in Germany representing about 3.6 Mio. German member companies. As the official representative of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka AHK Sri Lanka is committed to fair business and bilateral business support.