Sri Lanka''s energy crossroads: From crisis to clean powerhouse
Sri Lanka''s energy transition is more than infrastructure—it is a matter of economic sovereignty, climate resilience, and social stability. Success will reduce blackouts,
However, the current economic crisis has affected all key segments of the economy, including the power sector. Electricity in Sri Lanka is generated using three primary sources: thermal power (which includes coal and fuel oil), hydropower, and other non-conventional renewable energy sources (solar power and wind power).
Currently CEB engineers estimates of shortage in base power is 300MW. The CEB had commenced purchasing emergency thermal power to sustain supply. Sri Lanka experienced significant power outages in 2022 due to the economic crisis and lack of forex to purchase oil and coal to operate plants.
Sri Lanka has already achieved a grid connectivity of 98 percent, which is relatively high by South Asian standards. However, the current economic crisis has affected all key segments of the economy, including the power sector.
Sri Lanka has vast solar-wind-energy resources due to its location in the Indian Ocean. Eleven wind power plants are currently connected to the national grid. USAID has assessed wind and solar energy potential for Sri Lanka. This information is available at
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