Jetwing Hotels increases reliance on solar power with $ 1 m investment

Jetwing Hotels, a pioneer in the Sri Lankan hospitality industry for over five decades, remains dedicated to fostering positive change for people and the planet. In line with this commitment, Jetwing Hotels has invested over $ 1 million to expand its solar photovoltaic (PV) installations by 1.6 megawatts (MW) by the end of July 2024. Installation work commenced in December 2023 and has made significant progress, currently standing at 65% completion. 

Jetwing Hotels has been at the forefront of integrating renewable energy into its hotel operations since 2010, when a 20-kilowatt (kW) system was installed specifically for guest room lighting at Jetwing Blue in Negombo. In the past 14 years, Jetwing Hotels has strategically implemented solar PV systems amounting to 925kW across its various properties along with the corporate office (Jetwing House) in Colombo which features its own solar PV system with a capacity of 40kW. In 2023, Jetwing Hotels generated 1,069-megawatt hours (MWh) of solar energy across its properties; equivalent to providing power for 13,490 households and mitigating the release of 608 metric tons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. 

The forthcoming solar PV system installations will enhance the current capacity up to 2.6 MW, achieved by incorporating new installations and expanding existing systems. Jetwing Hotels currently meets 8% of their electricity requirement through solar PV installations. The new expansion will triple that contribution, resulting in 24% of their total electricity usage being covered through solar power.

While most systems are roof-mounted, certain properties of Jetwing are embracing innovative approaches to PV installations. At Jetwing Vil Uyana, nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, and Jetwing Kaduruketha, situated amidst the serene countryside of Wellawaya, solar PV systems will be integrated into the roof structures of the car parks, effectively utilising the available space. Furthermore, Jetwing Kaduruketha and Jetwing Surf will feature systems capable of generating surplus energy beyond the hotels’ day-time requirements, with excess power being exported to the national grid.

Situated on the outskirts of the Yala National Park, Jetwing Safari Camp is set to showcase its commitment to sustainability with the installation of a 120kW roof-mount solar PV system. This solar PV system will play a pivotal role in mitigating the hotel’s carbon footprint. The emissions avoided from the total electricity generated are projected to surpass all Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions; emissions produced directly from the facilities, and indirect emissions from the energy purchased and utilised by the hotel, respectively. This endeavour not only underscores Jetwing Hotels’ dedication to renewable energy but also exemplifies its proactive approach to environmental stewardship.  

Jetwing Hotels’ investment demonstrates its alignment with Sri Lanka’s commitment to sustainable and green development. By contributing to the nation’s ambitious plans, Jetwing is supporting Sri Lanka’s goal to primarily meet its electricity needs through renewable energy sources by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. With recent expansions, 66% of Jetwing Hotels’ energy demand will be met through self-produced renewable sources; including biomass boilers, innovative steam-powered vapor absorption chillers that are used in four hotels, solar thermal systems, and biogas digesters that convert food waste into fuel used at associate kitchens across the chain. 

Jetwing Hotels is guided by meticulous Environment Management Systems that are periodically vetted under the ISO 14001 standard and continuously tracks Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions across all operations. In 2016, Jetwing Hotels became the first hospitality company in Sri Lanka to verify its greenhouse gas inventory under the ISO 14064 standard. In line with its commitment to reduce GHG Emissions through the introduction of sustainable practices to its operations, the latest installations will result in an emission reduction of over 1,200 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.

Jetwing Hotels remains a pioneer in sustainable tourism and is committed to further investing in renewable energy projects for a greener future in Sri Lanka. Jetwing Hotels’ commitment to renewable energy and sustainable practices has not gone unnoticed. The Green Building Council of Sri Lanka (GBCSL) recently honoured Jetwing Hotels with the Green Investment Excellence Award for 2023 in the tourism sector.