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| Tuesday, 4 November 2003 |
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Advantages of solar power Sri Lanka's power and energy requirements are increasing daily, in line with population growth and industrial expansion. Now, only around 63 per cent of households have mains electricity. The lack of mains power has also hampered the establishment and operation of industries in rural areas. The Government has taken this stark reality into account and allocated Rs.10,400 million for rural electrification to increase the number of households with power supply to 72 per cent. Although the commissioning of the Kukule Ganga project and improvements to the Kelanitissa thermal plants have augmented the power supply, the additional output is not adequate to meet projected demands. Even if mains power reaches 72 per cent of households, authorities should explore all avenues that can lead to the generation of extra power not necessarily connected to the national grid. With sunshine throughout the year, solar power can become a major source of electricity especially in areas which the mains power transmission network cannot reach due to infrastructural or financial reasons. Solar power has several obvious advantages - it is abundant, free, renewable and non-polluting. Capital is needed only for installing the photovoltaic equipment. These are somewhat costly at present, though prices are coming down as manufacturers realise economies of scale. The private sector has taken the lead in providing solar power to thousands of Sri Lankan homes. For example, Shell Solar has installed 20,000 sun-powered systems islandwide, in homes and small industries. Judging by the massive response, Shell and other companies in the solar business can expect a bigger demand in the coming years. The World Bank/Global Environmental Facility and local commercial banks too should get credit for this success, as most customers would not have been able to purchase solar equipment without their backing. Thanks to their initiative, thousands of families islandwide now turn on electric lights and other appliances while paying only a small monthly instalment. They no longer have to rely on kerosene or car batteries. Shell's solar project is a fine example of a multinational company utilising appropriate technology for uplifting the quality of the lives of local residents. Other companies can take a leaf out of Shell Solar's book for initiating similar projects, be it in the energy sector or any other sphere of economic activity. Shell is one company that responded to the government's call for greater private sector involvement in the power and energy sector. Likewise, plenty of opportunities are available for developing small hydropower projects and even wind power plants. These too are technologies that suit local conditions and resources. At least one 'wind farm' is in operation in the South and several mini hydro projects are supplying excess electricity to the national grid. There is plenty of scope in these sectors for expansion as energy requirements soar. Solar, wind and hydro projects, though essentially small in nature, also have the capacity to generate employment for a substantial number of youth. Private companies and industries must be encouraged to install their own power systems whenever possible without depending on the over-burdened national grid. More concessions should be granted to companies and foreign investors which opt for environmentally-friendly technologies such as solar power. Alternative power systems are ideal for Small and Medium Industries, which generally have low power needs. The government has announced plans to set up 20,000 SMIs islandwide within the next five years. This program will encompass infrastructure development, including power generation, essential for their smooth functioning. Solar and other power alternatives will be pivotal for their establishment and development. Demand for electricity in the war-battered North-East is surging, thanks to the ceasefire and prospects for peace after two decades of conflict. Reconstructing the electricity network in these areas will be a laborious task. Solar power is an ideal stop-gap or long-term solution for most households and small industries in the regionand for that matter, in any other part of the country. |
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