Small hydro power sector backs President on establishing energy security

From left: Small Hydro Power Association Committee member Padmanatha Paddiwala, Past President Prabath Wickfremasinghe, Secretary Warna Dahanayake, Solar Developers Association President Lasith Wimalasena and Committee member Palitha Jayatissa

The renewable energy sector last week announced its full support for the pledge made by President Ranil Wickremasinghe at COPE 27 held recently to secure the power and energy security of the country.

Addressing the media, the Small Hydro Power Association Secretary Warna Dahanayake Attorney at Law said: “We are firmly and steadfastly extending our support to President Ranil Wickremasinghe who at the COPE 27 of 8 November 2022 firmly pledged his commitment to increasing the renewable energy contribution to the grid to 70% which at the moment stands at 12% and reduce the carbon footprint to 14.5% from present levels by 2030.”

“At this crucial moment of national crisis, it is not a time for petty bickering, but it is time we must rise up and stand by the President who has a clear vision to lead us out of this crisis to prosperity. To achieve this the President said that countries that are interested in investing and being a part of this country’s progress should be brought together to make this project a success. Consequently, this pledge given by the President to the international community should also be a guide and path for our development,” Dahanayake said.

He also alleged that there was a danger of Sri Lanka losing its capacity to produce and supply the country’s energy and power needs. “This present risk of losing 1200 MW of power supplied by the renewable energy sector to the national grid is genuine and will have certain adverse repercussions on the country. This loss to the grid will cause longer power outages and higher tariffs.

The shortfall of this power will have to be met only by using costly imported fuel. This will translate into further raising of tariffs, which are already raising grave concerns among all sectors of industry and the domestic market. Therefore, this will also discourage both local and foreign investment in the future,” Dahanayake added. The Small Hydro Power Association Secretary also pointed out the renewable energy sector has in hand projects that can immediately add 150 to 500 MW to ease the present power shortage situation which is affecting the country.

The Association also welcomed the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka under Section 35 of 2002 has been empowered to take all measures to protect and nurture this sector.

“In its scope of authority, PUCSL has all the required power to intervene and direct the relevant departments to act in any way necessary. Moreover, the settlement of the dues to the sector is an issue that has been tackled by placing this in a proper place of priority in the order of payments made. Whilst having large loans outstanding to local banks all this can be sorted with proper prioritisation,” Dahanayake said.