Renewable energy to play vital role

by Lalin FERNANDOPULLE

Two thousand MW will be added to the National Grid next year using mini hydropower, solar and wind energy, said Minister of Power and Energy, Patali Champika Ranawaka at a ceremony to launch Vidulaka 2011, the National Energy Award ceremony on Tuesday.

He said that 20 percent of the country's requirement will be supplied by renewable energy by 2020.Wind, solar and hydropower will be used to generate energy.

According to geological surveys oil discovery is declining due to rapid increase in demand for fuel. Fossile fuels such as gas and coal will end within the next 50-60 years, according to a survey.

The Ministry of Power and Energy plans to increase the mini hydropower capacity to 500 MW, solar 100 MW and the wind to 650 MW by 2020.

"Steps have been taken to provide electricity to all households by next year. Our target is to achieve 100 percent electrification within a year", the Minister said.

According to statistics around 10 percent of the population still do not have electricity which is a major hindrance to economic development. Ranawaka said that people in the estates and those living along the coastal belt will be provided with electricity through Grama Shakthi, a program to use renewable energy for electrification.Around 130,000 families are current recipients of solar energy in the country.