Huawei Sri Lanka recently celebrated a major milestone: the country’s achievement of 1 gigawatt (GW) of total solar energy capacity in 2024. This accomplishment was marked at an event at the Shangri-La Colombo, where government officials, industry leaders, and key stakeholders gathered to recognize the collaborative efforts advancing Sri Lanka’s solar energy sector.
A Collaborative Effort Towards Solar Energy Expansion
Huawei Sri Lanka, in partnership with various local entities, played a pivotal role in this milestone, contributing 40 percent of the country’s total solar capacity. This achievement aligns with the Ministry of Power’s “Soorya Bala Sangramaya” (Battle for Solar Energy) initiative, a government-led program instrumental in promoting small-scale rooftop solar systems across the nation.
Launched in 2016 and supported by the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA), the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), and Lanka Electricity Company (Private) Limited (LECO), the initiative aims to increase the share of solar in Sri Lanka’s energy mix. By encouraging grassroots adoption, the program seeks to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and foster environmental sustainability, while also empowering communities to generate their own electricity and reduce their dependence on the national grid.
Government’s Role in Solar Energy Development
During the event, Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardane, Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Energy, addressed the gathering as the Chief Guest, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts to overcome challenges that have historically hindered the sector’s growth. He highlighted that the target of adding 1,000 MW of solar electricity to the national grid by 2025 is not just a government goal but a collective mission involving the public, the private sector, and service providers.
“There are challenges ahead, but together, I am confident that new initiatives and collaborations will strengthen the process. This will enable all stakeholders to reach their targets in the coming years. I would like to extend my thanks to Huawei and the SLSEA for contributing to this achievement,” Dr. Jayawardane stated. He added that he was optimistic the new legal framework being developed would address existing challenges and create an environment conducive to future solar projects.
Huawei’s Commitment to Solar Energy
Zhang Jinze (Zeh), CEO of Huawei Sri Lanka, also spoke at the event, underscoring the company’s commitment to advancing solar energy technology in the country. He noted Huawei’s 40 percent contribution to the nation’s total solar capacity as a significant achievement that reflects its dedication to supporting Sri Lanka’s renewable energy ambitions.
Zhang elaborated on Huawei’s ongoing innovations in solar energy, detailing the company’s advancements in battery storage, photovoltaic (PV) controllers, and other technologies crucial for maximizing the efficiency and reliability of solar power systems. “Looking ahead, Huawei is excited to continue making progress and achieving new milestones by increasing the adoption of grid-behind battery technologies,” he said. “Our journey in solar PV has been promising, and we’re eager to share our developments in energy storage systems, smart PV controllers, EV chargers, and large-scale energy storage solutions.”
Global Perspectives on Solar Energy
The event also featured an insightful presentation from Ussama Rai, Director of Smart PV & BESS Service Solutions at Huawei’s Energy Storage Solution Sales Department in the United Kingdom. Rai offered a global perspective on solar energy trends and challenges, with a focus on grid flexibility, virtual inertia, and grid-forming technologies. He emphasized the need for innovative solutions to ensure grid stability and resilience as more solar sources are integrated.
Rai also discussed the importance of energy storage systems for balancing supply and demand, which is crucial for countries like Sri Lanka where solar is becoming a significant part of the energy mix. He noted that as more solar plants connect to the grid, the need for advanced storage solutions becomes critical to prevent disruptions and ensure a steady electricity supply.
The Road Ahead for Solar Energy in Sri Lanka
The celebration of Sri Lanka’s 1 GW solar energy milestone served not only as a recognition of past achievements but also as a call to action for the future. The event underscored the importance of continued collaboration between the government, the private sector, and international partners to overcome upcoming challenges.
With the right mix of policies, investments, and innovations, Sri Lanka is well-positioned to advance towards its goal of generating 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2050. Huawei Sri Lanka remains committed to playing a leading role in this journey, and its focus on developing cutting-edge solar and storage technologies will be crucial in helping the nation meet its future energy needs while contributing to global climate efforts. As the country continues to harness its abundant solar resources, it moves closer to achieving energy independence and sustainability—setting an example for other nations to follow.
