Saturday Nov 23, 2024
Saturday Nov 23, 2024
Wednesday, 5 July 2017 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Increase the awareness for energy efficiency, become less dependent on fossil fuels and reduce carbon dioxide emissions – these are main targets of Sri Lanka’s current energy policy. The country has excellent conditions for using solar energy, biomass, hydropower and wind energy. The German Federal Foreign Office together with the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy of Sri Lanka, and the project implementing partner Deutsche Gesellschaftfür Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority have been working closely together to make Sri Lanka’s energy transition a success.
On 29 June all involved partners launched the second round of the Green Energy Champion Sri Lanka initiative, a country-wide competition identifying and recognising innovative ideas on improving energy efficiency and encouraging the use of renewable energy in the country. The launch event was graced by Deputy Minister of Power and Renewable Energy Sri Lanka Ajith P. Perera and German Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Jörn Rohde.
The Green Energy Champion 2017 launch comes post a very successful first project phase last year in which 700,000 media users were reached with energy saving tips and background information on renewable energy. Ananda College Colombo was declared as the winner of the first country-wide competition for their holistic approach to energy efficiency. Their award winning project which was implemented in autumn 2016 included the installation of a solar PV system which generates over 24,000 kilowatt hours annually, the upgrading of the school’s composting system and the introduction of a solid waste management system. Further, several awareness trainings with more than 7,000 students and teachers were carried out.
Now the initiative is looking for another blueprint ‘Green Energy Champion’ who would become a show case for sustainable and clean energy solutions. The winning entry would be awarded with technical equipment worth up to Rs. 10 million (ca. EUR 60,000) and technical expertise for its implementation.
Applications for the competition can be submitted between 1 July and 18 August at the campaign’s website www.greenenergychampion.lk, where the application form and further information is available.
The competition intends to inspire Sri Lankans to submit tangible ideas on how to use renewable energies in their environment. A questionnaire will guide them to compose an action plan together with an estimated budget.
After all applications have been screened, representatives of the five most promising ideas will be invited to a workshop to practice their communication and management skills and receive further input on renewable energies, energy efficiency and technical feedback on the proposal presentations. At the end of the workshop the participants will pitch their ideas. The winner will be determined by a jury comprising of representatives of the German Embassy, the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy, Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority and GIZ.
During the launch event, German Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Jörn Rohde said, “Climate change is a major challenge of our time. We need to adjust the way we generate and consume electricity. I am sure that our Green Energy Champion campaign triggers many Sri Lankans to submit innovative renewable energy ideas which help their country to make its energy transition a reality Germany will continue to support Sri Lanka’s path to a sustainable green energy future.”
Germany, the world’s fourth largest economy, is currently pioneering an epochal transformation called ‘Energiewende’ – an energy transition which will substantially change its energy portfolio. Nuclear power, coal, gas and all other fossil fuels shall finally be replaced by renewable energy sources. Germany remains on track: the share of renewable energy as of total electricity consumption rose from a mere 6.2% in 2000 to 41.7% in 2016! Succeeding in this approach will lead to ambitious emission cuts which Germany is committed to achieve: By 2020, a 40% cut from 1990 levels, and by 2050, at least 80%.
-Pix by Lasantha kumara
