Wind energy development in Sri Lanka has good potential to help the country meet its 2050 carbon neutrality target. The Southwest (SW) and Northeast (NE) monsoons, two Asian monsoons, dominate Sri Lanka’s wind climate. While the NE Monsoon lasts from December to February, the SW Monsoon lasts from May until early October. The stronger of the two monsoons, the SW, is felt over most of Sri Lanka’s west coast, as well as in the country’s inner regions and certain mountainous locations. Winds over flat terrain in the south-eastern and north-western coastal areas are more regular and occur during both monsoons, but winds over mountainous areas are very site-specific, turbulent, and mostly limited to the SW monsoon.
Using satellite mapping, the United States’ National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) studied Sri Lanka and the Maldives in detail in early 2000’s. This study estimated Sri Lanka’s onshore (land-based) wind power potential is about 20,735 MW in a landmark publication in 2003.
The offshore wind power development programme by the World Bank Group, recently published the ‘Offshore Wind Roadmap for Sri Lanka’. It has been identified that Sri Lanka has good conditions for offshore wind and its potential is estimated to be 56,000MW (referred to as 56GW-Giga Watts).
Onshore (land-based) wind power potential
In the NREL report the North-western, Northern, and Central provinces have been identified as the best areas for wind energy harvesting, in their classifications.
- In general, locations with an annual average wind resource greater than 400 W/m² or approximately 7.0 m/s at 50m above ground are considered most suitable for utility-scale applications.
- At the end of the year 2023, 19 wind plants were operating with 166 WTG units and an installed capacity of around 267 MW.
The Table 1 below is listed the distribution of wind power plants by province and Figure 3 shown the detailed maps of the wind power plants in particular regions.
According to NREL’s estimation as shown in Table 2, Sri Lanka has around 4,100 km2 of windy territory with good to excellent wind resource potential. Table 2 lists the percentage of windy land potential wind capacity for each wind power category. More recent studies undertaken by the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority has uncovered more such resources suitable for development.
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Figure 2: Map of the Commissioned Wind Power Plants in Sri Lanka (At the end of 2023)
Table 3 shows the proportion of windy land in each province with good-to-excellent resources.
Offshore wind power potential
The World Bank Group’s assessment identifies three general regions that are favorable for offshore wind growth. However, the most energy bearing wind speeds and ideal technical circumstances are found along the western and southern shores. These three sites are depicted on the map in Figure 4, and their offshore wind potentials are summarised in Table 4. 27 GW of bottom fixed offshore wind in shallow water (less than 50 m depth) and 29 GW of floating offshore wind in deeper waters (between 50 m and 1000 m depth) make up the estimated 56 GW total offshore wind power potential.
Figure 3: Wind Plant Distribution in Sri Lanka by Regions (At the end of 2023)
Opportunities and challenges for wind power development in Sri Lanka
Opportunities:
1.
Abundant wind resources: Sri Lanka has significant wind potential, particularly along its coastal regions and in certain hilly areas. Wind speeds are generally favourable for wind power generation, especially during monsoon seasons.
2.
Renewable energy goals: Sri Lanka has set ambitious renewable energy targets, aiming to increase the share of renewable energy in its electricity generation mix. Wind power can contribute significantly to these goals.
3.
Technological advancements: Advances in wind turbine technology, such as larger and more efficient turbines, have improved the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of wind energy projects worldwide, making them more viable in diverse geographical conditions.
4.
Environmental benefits: Wind power is clean and renewable, contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. It aligns with global and national efforts towards sustainable development.
Challenges:
1.
Grid integration: Sri Lanka’s electricity grid infrastructure needs further development to accommodate intermittent renewable energy sources like wind power. Ensuring stable and reliable grid integration is crucial to maximise the benefits of wind energy.
2.
Land availability: Identifying suitable land for wind farms can be challenging in a densely populated country like Sri Lanka. Balancing land use for agriculture, conservation, and energy infrastructure is essential.
3.
Financial and economic considerations: Initial investment costs for wind power projects can be high. Securing financing and ensuring economic viability among fluctuating energy prices and regulatory uncertainties are key challenges.
4.
Environmental and social impacts: Wind farms can have visual and noise impacts, as well as potential effects on local wildlife, especially the avian family and ecosystems. Conducting thorough environmental assessments and engaging with local communities are critical to addressing these concerns.
5.
Policy and regulatory framework: Continued support through stable policies, incentives, and regulatory frameworks is essential for attracting investment and fostering growth in the wind energy sector.
Current status and future outlook
Sri Lanka has made impressive strides in promoting renewable energy, including wind power, through progressive policies and generous incentives. The government has encouraged private sector participation and international collaboration to develop its renewable energy potential.
Future developments will likely depend on advancements in technology, improvements in grid infrastructure, supportive policies, and effective stakeholder engagement. Addressing challenges such as competing land uses, grid integration, and environmental concerns will be crucial for realising the full potential of wind power in Sri Lanka.
In conclusion, while challenges exist, the feasibility of realising impressive economic gains from Sri Lanka’s wind power is promising in the context of its abundant wind resources and the global shift towards clean energy solutions. Continued efforts and strategic investments can accelerate the adoption of wind energy, contributing to a sustainable energy future for the island nation.
(The writer is attached to the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority.)
Figure 1: Sri Lanka Wind Resource Map identified by NREL
The Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) has set a goal of realising 70 of electricity generation from renewable sources in 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality in electricity generation by 2050.
