Sri Lanka is looking forward to sustainable practices and embracing cutting-edge green energy technologies. This was disclosed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe during ‘Sri Lanka Green Hydrogen Symposium 2023’ recently.
He outlined a comprehensive vision for Sri Lanka’s role in addressing climate change, emphasizing sustainable practices and embracing cutting-edge green energy technologies. He drew attention to the alarming findings of the UNF emission report for 2023. Expressing concern over the potential 3-degree °C global temperature increase by the end of the century, he stressed on the need for immediate global action, lamenting the unfulfilled emission reduction promises of developed nations.
“It says by the end of this century we will be about 3 degrees °C higher. Just imagine what that is going to be. And the cuts which were promised by the developed nations have not taken place. But even with that, we would come to 2.5-degrees °C. So, then we have to come down to 1.5 degrees °C. That’s what our target is for 2030,” he said.
Citing the UN Secretary-General’s call for tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030, he described this as a pivotal opportunity for Sri Lanka to transform into a green energy exporter. He specifically highlighted the vast potential of solar and wind power in the country’s expansive dry zones.
“Now we can become an exporter of energy. Let’s go for it. That is my idea,” he noted, highlighting the nation’s potential in harnessing renewable resources. He stressed on green hydrogen and expressed his vision of Sri Lanka aspiring not only to achieve energy independence but also to become a regional hub for green hydrogen supply.
To this end, the President announced plans for a new committee and an energy transition law, signifying a commitment to a holistic decision-making process regarding new energy projects. Acknowledging economic challenges, he stressed the importance of a thorough review to ensure sustained, long-term benefits.
He emphasised on the need for a holistic view and a re-evaluation of the long-term power generation plan.
He expressed his commitment to green energy and called upon experts to advise the government on the path forward. “We are committed to green energy and we are going ahead,” he said.
During the forum, “The Sri Lanka National Hydrogen Road Map” was presented by the Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekara to President Ranil Wickremesinghe. This roadmap is a collaborative effort between the Petroleum Development Authority of Sri Lanka (PDASL) and Greenstat Hydrogen India, with the invaluable support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which charts a course for Sri Lanka’s energy landscape transformation.
US Ambassador Julie J. Chung, Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay and the British High Commissioner Andrew Patrick also pledged their unwavering support for the country’s commitment to Green Hydrogen transformation.
The symposium, organized by Greenstat India in collaboration with PDASL and USAID. The event was attended by notable personalities such as Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka; Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and the Chief of Staff, Mr. Sturle Pedersen; Chairman of Greenstat India, Mr. Surath Ovitigama: Chairman of PDASL and Official dignitaries of Greenstat India, USAID, stakeholders and other collaborators.
