WindForce PLC and Vidullanka PLC have completed a 10MW solar power project in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka, marking a significant step forward for the nation’s renewable energy ambitions.
WindForce and Vidullanka’s Batticaloa solar plant Venture
In a powerful demonstration of collaborative strength, a joint venture between WindForce PLC and Vidullanka PLC has successfully commissioned the 10 MW Sooryashakthi Solar Power Project in Batticaloa. The project is implemented through Sooryashakthi (Pvt) Limited, a subsidiary of the joint venture entity, Solar Universe (Pvt) Limited, in which both renewable energy giants hold equal shares.
Located in Vavunativu, the plant makes innovative use of high-salinity land that is otherwise unsuitable for agriculture. This approach to land use is a critical consideration for sustainable energy development, a challenge familiar to countries like Germany where balancing energy production with environmental and agricultural needs is a priority.
The project, which represents an investment of Rs. 3 billion, is expected to generate approximately 19.5 GWh of clean electricity annually. This power will be fed into the national grid, bolstering Sri Lanka’s energy security. The plant’s impressive capacity is achieved through 22,048 photovoltaic modules and 34 string inverters, a testament to the intricate basics of solar panel manufacturing and design.
This venture is a key component of the Ceylon Electricity Board’s (CEB) tender scheme for 17 new solar power projects, all aimed at accelerating Sri Lanka’s transition away from fossil fuels.
WindForce’s Green Energy Initiatives at Batticaloa solar plant
WindForce PLC continues to solidify its position as a leader in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy sector by actively expanding its portfolio. Beyond the Sooryashakthi project, the company also recently completed another 10 MW project in Batticaloa, the Helios Power plant.
This separate project, costing Rs 1.8 billion, is also set to supply approximately 19 GWh of electricity to the national grid under a 20-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with the CEB. Understanding the investment required for such facilities can be illuminated by exploring a typical solar panel manufacturing plant cost breakdown.
These solar initiatives are part of WindForce’s broader strategy to diversify its renewable energy assets. The company’s total installed capacity now stands at an impressive 245 MW, comprising a mix of wind, solar, and biomass power. The addition of these new solar plants further strengthens WindForce’s contribution to the nation’s green energy landscape.
The Future of Solar Power in Sri Lanka’s Batticaloa solar plant
The completion of the Sooryashakthi solar plant is a milestone in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy journey, especially as the project team overcame construction delays caused by floods to finish on schedule. This resilience underscores the nation’s commitment to achieving its ambitious target of 70% renewable energy generation by 2030—a goal that mirrors the large-scale energy transitions, or Energiewende, seen in European nations.
The success of this project is expected to pave the way for more large-scale solar developments, attracting further investment into the sector. The complex solar panel manufacturing process, from sourcing solar panel raw materials to final assembly, is becoming increasingly streamlined, making such projects more viable globally.
The partnership between WindForce and Vidullanka demonstrates the immense potential of private sector collaboration in achieving national energy targets. As Sri Lanka continues to prioritize a clean and sustainable future, such investments will be crucial. With continued government support and private sector ingenuity, the future of solar power in Sri Lanka looks exceptionally bright.
For those inspired by these large-scale developments and eager to delve deeper into the technology that makes them possible, you can explore the fundamentals by accessing our free e-course on solar panel manufacturing.
