Renewable Energy In Sri Lanka

Literature review
H.G.S.K PERERA / 120463N
Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Moratuwa.

Abstract in present world there is increasing trend of generating energy from the renewable sources. As a small coastal country Sri
Lanka is moving towards the renewable energy sources for power generation. We can gain many benefits from this upcoming way of
power generation as socially and economically. Also the support from government and organizations is increased to improve renewable
energy power generation and the public attraction to this new trend is increased recently.
Keywords- Renewable energy, Srilanka Renewable energy, Sola power, Biomass energy srilanka.
AcronymsSPPA
NRE
NCRE
PV
ADB
MSW
CEB
TYM
RERED

Standardized Power purchase agreement

New relationship energy
Non-conventional renewable energy.
Photovoltaic.
Asian Development Bank.
Municipal solid waste.
Ceylon Electricity Board
Typical meteorological Year.
Renewable energy for rural economic development

I. INTRODUCTION
RENEWABLE POWER GENERATION IS UPCOMING WAY OF POWER GENERATION, IN SRILANKA GENERATING ENERGY FROM THIS WAY
HAS BEEN STARTED SRILANKA CAN ACHIVE MAJOR PLACE, IF THERE IS NEW TRENDS AND SUPPORT FROM GOVERNMENT AND OTHER
AUTORITIES.

II. WHAT IS RENEWABLE ENERGY

Renewable energy is generally defined as energy that comes from resources which are naturally replenished on a human timescale
such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves and geothermal heat. Renewable energy replaces conventional fuels in four distinct
areas: electricity generation, hot water/space heating, motor fuels, and rural (off-grid) energy services. [1].

III. RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES AVAILABLE IN WORLD.

Following energy sources are can be used to generate electricity in Sri Lanka
A. Hydro Power
Hydro energy is available in several forms, mechanical energy from high heads of water maintained in dams, mechanical energy
from current flow in rivers and periodic event barrages, and mechanical energy additionally from the movement of waves on
comparatively static water plenty. several ingenious ways in which are developed for harnessing this energy however most involve
directive the water flow through a rotary engine to come up with electricity. People who do not sometimes involve victimization
the movement of the water to drive another type of hydraulic or gas mechanism to perform an equivalent task. [2]

B. Solar Power
The earth receives a lot of energy from the Sun in exactly one hour than the world's population uses in a whole year.
The total alternative energy flux intercepted by the world on any specific day is 4.2 X 1018 Watt-hours or 1.5 X 1022 Joules (or
6.26 X 1020 Joules per hour). This is often cherish burning 360 billion heaps of oil (toe) per day or fifteen Billion toe per hour.
In fact the world's total energy consumption of all forms within the year 2000 was solely 4.24 X 1020 Joules. In year 2005
it had been 10,537 Mote. [3]
C. Wind Power
The wind is a supply of free energy that has been used since history in windmills for pumping water or grinding flour. The
technology of high power, back-geared transmissions was developed centuries past by windmill designers and also the overhang
wheel for keeping the most sales inform into the wind was one among the world's 1st samples of Associate in nursing automatic
system.
Though trendy technology has created dramatic enhancements to the potency of windmills that square measure currently
extensively use for electricity generation, they're still addicted to the vagaries of the weather. Not simply on the wind direction
however on the intermittent and unpredictable force of the wind. Deficient wind and that they cannot deliver enough sustained
power to beat resistance losses within the system. An excessive amount of and that they square measure prone to injury. Between
these extremes, value economical installations are developed to extract energy from the wind. [4]

D. Geo Thermal Energy

Geothermal energy is thermal energy generated and keep within the Earth. Geo Thermal energy is that the energy that
determines the temperature of matter. The heat of the layer originates from the initial formation of the earth (20%) and from
disintegration of materials (80%).The energy gradient that is that the distinction in temperature between the core of the earth and
its surface, drives an eternal physical phenomenon of thermal energy within the type of heat from the core to the surface. The
adjective energy originates from the Greek roots (ge), that means earth, and (thermos), that means hot.
Earth's internal heat is thermal energy generated from disintegration and continual heat loss from Earth\'s formation. Temperatures
at the coremantle boundary might reach over 4000 C (7,200 F). The heat and pressure in Earth\'s interior cause some rock to
soften and solid mantle to behave plastically, leading to parts of mantle convecting upward since it\'s lighter than the encompassing
rock. Rock and water is heated within the crust, typically up to 370 C (700 F). [6]

E. Tidal Power
Tidal power is taken from the Earths oceanic tides; periodic event forces are periodic variations in attractive force exerted
by celestial bodies. These forces produce corresponding motions or currents within the world\'s oceans. As a result of the powerful
attraction to the oceans, a bulge within the water level is formed, inflicting a short lived increase in water level. Once the ocean
level is raised, water from the center of the ocean is forced to maneuver toward the shorelines, making a tide. This incidence takes
place in Associate in nursing unfailing manner, as a result of the consistent pattern of the moons orbit round the earth. The
magnitude and character of this motion reflects the ever-changing positions of the Moon and Sun relative to the planet, the
consequences of Earth\'s rotation, and native Geographics of the ocean floor and coastlines. [8]

IV. CURRENT USES OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN SRI LANKA

Lets consider how above mentioned renewable energy sources
contribution to srilanka energy generation

A .Hydro Power
Hydro power could be a key energy supply used for electricity
generation in Sri Lanka. A big share of the main hydro potential has already
been developed and delivers valuable low price electricity to the country.
Currently, hydro power stations are operated to provide each peaking and
base electricity generation requirements. A considerable range of tiny hydro
power plants that operate below the Standardized Power purchase
agreement (SPPA) and plenty of additional are expected to hitch the fleet
throughout following few years. Figure 1 indicates SPP hydro additive
capacities by district. [7].
Major hydropower potential are totally developed with the higher Kothmale
Hydropower Project in 2010, totaling associate put in capability of one,355
MW. However, significant slice of little hydro potential remains to be
developed. Potential sites have capacities starting from a couple of hundred
power unit to 40 MW, and therefore the total potential is estimated to be
around 500MW. Of this total, each CEB and private sector developers have
developed 148 MW and conditional Approvals to develop the remaining
capability had been already issued. Thus, total energy potential that may be
realized by developing this portion stands at one, 500 GWh every year.

Figure 1

B. Solar Energy

The two solar energy plants at the Hambantota solar Park, operated at
a under expected level, throughout that annual plant factor of 16.01% from the
737 kW plant and 15.04% from the 500kilowatt were recorded. This can be
primarily because of technical problems and overcast atmospheric condition that
prevailed in 2013. Mapping of solar resources exploitation information from
ground and satellite sources terminated once the compilation of the solar
Resource Atlas of state in 2013. The high resolution map shows shut affinity to
ground information that is predicted to remarkably improve energy yield
estimates in future comes. Once granting approval for 310MW star PV plants
and several other a lot of star based mostly power plants with storage capability,
no considerable progress was achieved by the developers. This can be chiefly
attributed to the unusualness of star technologies to the native financiers and low
skills of project developers. Net-metering theme that was introduced in 2010,
reached maturity a lot of prior to expect with quite fifty service suppliers
connecting quite three MW of roof prime PV systems to the national grid as at
finish 2013. This development successively contributed towards reaching the
policy target of generating 100% of electricity from NRE sources well before
the time target of 2015. By finish 2013, roughly 550 installations operated, with
a capability of three.3 MW. The calculable generation was four.7GWh.
Generation statistics were calculable supported average energy yields expected
in a very typical meteorological Year (TMY).

Figure 2 Solar energy Resources map

C. Wind Power

With the broader acceptance of the necessity to maneuver

removed from the current methodology of developing wind resources
through little scale non-public initiatives, the Mannar Island wind
resources were featured prominently within the development horizon. 2
studies supported by ADB underneath the Technical help Programme ta
8167 - SRI capacity Building for Clean Power Development, continued
in 2013, resulting in valuable addition of information on the bounds of
permissible penetrations of varied renewable energy resources within the
national grid. Reports from these studies area unit expected to shed
additional lightweight to the look method in early 2014. In these
circumstances the Mannar island wind resource development effort and
wind development normally delayed.

Figure 3- wind power resources

Geo thermal energy and tidal power energy still not implemented
in srilanka bit there are some little amount of generation from tidal power in coastal areas and there is a potential in energy industry
towards geo thermal energy.

D. Biomass Energy
Biogas production from solid waste could be an acquainted technology in country. But its application has knowledgeable
about variable degrees of success and failure in several contexts. Biogas technologies were initial introduced to country within the
1970s this too was on an exploration basis with the Indian and Chinese created. However, at first solely some state institutes and
colleges affected into use this facility. These too functioned as mere demonstrations. So most comes were deemed to be pilot
initiatives and barely ventured on the far side the road.
Since generating power from non-conventional renewables is a crucial strategy in country, national scale waste-to-energy
comes square measure receiving high priority at the present. Changing MSW to energy includes a tremendous potential in lowering
gas emissions furthermore as alternative negative health and environmental effects.
In country, the town of Colombo alone generates some 0.438 million tons of garbage every year. Realizing the potential
of manufacturing biogas from MSW, the Sri Lanka sustainable Energy Authority together with the Colombo Municipal Council
has enforced the primary pilot program at Jathikapola in Narahenpita. This project is deemed to come up with 26,280 kWh of
electricity every year.

Generation Sri Lanka (GWh)

CEB Hydro
Thermal, CEB, IPP and Hired
CEB Wind

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

3700.468

3355.575

4988.482

3972.672

2726.723

6010.099

5848.75

6062.48

5063.32

6884.01

8416.47

4819.72

3.236

3.495

2.996

2.662

2.32

2.321

434.65

548.504

728.474

722.262

733.34

1168.715

Self-Generation By Customers

Off-Grid, Conventional

Off-Grid, Non-Conventional

16.18

16.83

17.47

18.26

18.77

18.77

Gross Generation Sri Lanka

10003.28

9986.88

10800.74

11599.87

11897.62

12019.62

New Renewable Energy

Table 1 - Summery in electricity generation with renewable energy srilanka

Above mentioned renewable energy sources are generated as off grid energy and grid energy .
V. OFF GRID RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION

Off grid power generations are unit one of the most important technologies utilized in little scale renewable energy power
systems. Its going to be doable to possess over five-hitter of homes still while not access to grid electricity by the year 2016.
Therefore off-grid electrification had been a really important possibility within the rural economic development effort, an element
within the coordinated rural electrification arrange. At first the agricultural areas, wherever less range of individuals live and also
the grid enlargement is incredibly costly, are elect for off-grid possibility. There area unit concerning 350 villages in Ceylon
electrified by village small hydro schemes and many different homes by Pico hydro schemes that faucet the waters passing by the
aspect of the homes. About another one hundred twenty thousand households area unit calculable to be electrified by star home
systems. Victimization largely a domestically developed technology, about 100 houses get electricity from little wind turbines
(using concerning fifty domestic units and three community based mostly wind turbines). Bioenergy is employed for electricity
generation victimization each solid and liquid forms. There area unit concerning ten villages electrified by dendro power whereas
concerning 30 homes use electricity generated by biogas.
Geographic Distribution of Off-Grid Projects Approved under RERED & RERED-Additional Financing as at 31 December 2011

Figure 4- off grid generation map

VI. UPCOMING DEVELOPMENTS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN SRILANKA

There are some developments in srilanka renewable energy generation, for example there are many micro hydro
plants, bio mass power generation, etc.
E.g.

Mini hydro plants installed capacity increased 1MW in 1997 and 70 MW in 2004 and counting.
Installing of wind power plants is increasing.
Development of village hydro systems.

Government has envisaged to develop the renewable energy resources to reach 10% of total electricity by 2016. The investment
opportunities available in these areas are given below.

Table 1

VII. WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF RENEWABLE ENERGY

Advantages

Disadvantages

Because it is renewable, it is sustainable and will never

run out.
Requires less maintenance than traditional power plants

Difficult to generates in large quantities

Generating cost is less because fuel is from nature

Capital cost is high

There is a problem with reliability of the supply of

renewable energy source.

Minimum effect on environment because it produces less

or no waste (CO2, hazardous Chemicals)
Because most of the projects are in rural areas the
economic development is good in those areas.
Table 2

VIII. MAJOR ISSUES AND BARRIERS WITH RENEWABLE ENERGY POWER GENERATION

Load profile in srilanka have an deep off peek down and an evening peak is high, when we operates a wind turbine
in high wind seasons coincide with high hydro seasons so during off peak hours this situation needs considered.
When finding a land for implement power plants is very difficult as wind and hydro needs a larger lands.
From wind generation locations transmission is difficult.
Some highlands in central of the country are inaccessible for wind development.
Solar energy is only available in daytime and due to that we need to store the generated energy and storage
solutions are expensive, without storing if we transmit the electricity the transmission capacity is high.
Capacities of grid substations are limited and cost is increasing for improvements.
We dont have long term accurate solar database to measure diffused radiation.

IX. EFFECT TO THE ENVIORENMENT FROM THE RENEWABLE ENERGY USE

Lets consider environmental impact for each power source [11]
A .Hydro Power
Wind turbines does not produce any polluting gasses, but it requires lot of space and need to use concrete
and steel, the sound of the turbine blades harm to the birds and other species .And also turbine blades can be cause harm
to fishes and other species who lives in water, And also if an excessive amount of water is keep behind the reservoir,
segments of the stream downstream from the reservoir will dry out.
B. Wind power
To build a wind power plant a large amount of space required and also large amount of artificial building
materials concrete and steel are required these two materials are not environmentally friendly.
Blades of a wind power turbine may harm to the birds. To store energy generated we have to use batteries, these batteries
are not environment friendly. Due to rotation of the turbine noise is generated this causes the sound pollution.

C. Solar Power
To collect solar energy, large collecting surface is needed and to maintain a solar generating plant huge
amount of natural and human resources are required. This method also requires Energy storing facilities, so we have to
use batteries which are not friendly with the environment.

D. Geothermal
Generation of energy with geothermal results toxic emissions such as hydrogen sulfide. And also produces
other solid wastes, and this process may release CO2, Most of the sites are near the geyser fields so this could be effect to
geyser fields.

X. WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF USING RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES TO COUNTRYS ECONOMY

Power generation with renewable energy is directly effect for countrys economy because of following
reasons.The cheap access to electricity is very important not just for individual people and industries who is responsible for
economy. Because the development of renewable energy takings in increasing system capability and potency, the prices of energy
production can drop. These trends can increase the supply of
unpolluted electricity over time, eventually benefiting the
country's producing sector through lowered prices, and
lowered pollution or energy taxes.
.As we can see in figure 5 we can see the cost for generating
energy from renewable resources is less than other oil power
plants.
With this increment in local renewable energy creation
industries can produce equipment for renewable energy
generation (ex. Solar panels, Wind turbine accessories.)
Also job opportunities are increasing with renewable
energy increasing as an example no of workers needed for fuel
power station is less than the workers needed for work in solar
power plants, so with renewable energy development we can
achieve good job market.

Figure 5

XI. FUTURE RENEWABLE ENERGY TARGETS

From grid connected capacity non-conventional renewable energy is 7.7% [13]. Government and other
organizations are working with improve renewable energy section in Sri Lanka. They have an aim to increasing this
7.7% to 10% by 2015 and 20% by 2020 [14].
Proposed Targets for the NCRE Power Sector

When considering year 2012, installed small hydro capacity is 224MW, wind
capacity is 74MW, biomass and solar is 12.5MW and 1.4MW respectively. So the current non-conventional renewable energy
should add up to 312MW to reach this target.
To achieve these targets government should motivate peoples to use renewable energy with provide them solar energy plans loans
for implement solar energy. And should provide facilities (ex. financial) for organizations who works in energy sector to improve
renewable energy targets.
And also sustainable energy authority is planning to bring up new renewable
energy sources to the generation
Sea Wave
Geothermal
Ocean thermal

XII. CONCLUSION
Generating power from renewable energy sources is upcoming way around the world, if we neglect the capital costs and space
requirements actually this is a best method of power generation. Except electricity generation we can achieve other benefits such
as reducing environment pollution, solution to crude oil crisis, decrementing of unemployment, anyone can generate electricity
from renewable sources (e.g. solar). And there are many more benefits from this than conventional nonrenewable generation. And
as a country we have more renewable sources and we can improve our renewable energy section with these resources, some sources
are using and some sources are planned to be used (e.g. geothermal, tidal, ocean thermal...)
With more government attention and increased popularity we can gain major
place with renewable energy power generation.
References:
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
[7]
[8]
[9]
[10]
[11]
[12]
[13]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renewable_energy
http://www.mpoweruk.com/hydro_power.htm
BP Statistical Review of World Energy 2006
http://www.mpoweruk.com/wind_power.htm
http://www.mpoweruk.com/biofuels.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geothermal_energy
http://www.info.energy.gov.lk/seaPublicationsAction.do?fromYear=2008&toYear=2013&cat_id=64&parent_id=62#
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tidal_power
http://www.info.energy.gov.lk/
http://www.energyservices.lk/statistics/geographic1.htm
http://www.johnstonsarchive.net/environment/renew.html
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/renewable-energy-can-contribute-growth-country-79353.html
SLSEA Sri Lanka Energy Balance, 2011