Huawei Sri Lanka recently celebrated a significant achievement as the country reached a total solar energy capacity of 1 gigawatt (GW) by 2024. This milestone was marked at an event held at the Shangri-La Colombo, where government officials, industry leaders, and key stakeholders gathered to recognize the collaborative efforts that have propelled Sri Lanka’s solar energy sector forward.
A Collaborative Effort Towards Solar Energy Expansion
Huawei Sri Lanka, in partnership with various local entities, played a pivotal role in achieving this milestone by contributing 40 percent to the country’s total solar energy capacity. This accomplishment aligns with the Ministry of Power’s “Soorya Bala Sangramaya” (Battle for Solar Energy) initiative.
This government-led program, supported by the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA), the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), and Lanka Electricity Company (Private) Limited (LECO), has been instrumental in promoting the widespread installation of small-scale solar power systems on rooftops across the nation.
The “Soorya Bala Sangramaya” initiative, launched in 2016, aimed to increase the share of solar energy in Sri Lanka’s energy mix. By encouraging solar energy adoption at the grassroots level, the initiative seeks to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and foster environmental sustainability. The program has also empowered communities by enabling them to generate their own electricity and reduce dependency 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. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in overcoming challenges that have historically hindered the growth of Sri Lanka’s solar energy sector.
Dr. Jayawardane 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 that involves the active participation of the public, 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 also expressed optimism that the new legal framework being developed would address existing challenges and create an enabling environment for future solar energy projects.
Huawei’s Commitment to Solar Energy
Zhang Jinze (Zeh), CEO of Huawei Sri Lanka, also spoke at the event, underscoring Huawei’s commitment to advancing solar energy technology in the country. He pointed out that Huawei’s contribution of 40 percent to the total solar energy capacity was a significant achievement, reflecting the company’s dedication to supporting Sri Lanka’s renewable energy ambitions.
Zhang elaborated on Huawei’s ongoing efforts to innovate in the field of solar energy. He highlighted the company’s advancements in battery storage solutions, photovoltaic (PV) controllers, and related technologies that are 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. 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.” Zhang said.
Global Perspectives on Solar Energy
The event also featured an insightful presentation by Ussama Rai, Director of Smart PV & BESS Service Solutions at Huawei’s Energy Storage Solution Sales Department in the United Kingdom. Rai’s presentation provided a global perspective on the trends and challenges in solar energy, particularly in the context of grid flexibility, virtual inertia, and grid-forming technologies.
He emphasized the need for innovative solutions to ensure the stability and resilience of electricity grids as they increasingly integrate solar energy sources. Rai also discussed the importance of energy storage systems in balancing supply and demand, particularly in countries like Sri Lanka, where solar energy is becoming a significant part of the energy mix.
He pointed out that as more solar power plants are connected to the grid, the need for advanced energy storage solutions becomes more critical to prevent disruptions and ensure a steady supply of electricity.
The Road Ahead for Solar Energy in Sri Lanka
The celebration of Sri Lanka’s 1 GW solar energy milestone is not just a recognition of past achievements but also a call to action for future progress. The event highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between the government, private sector, and international partners to overcome the challenges that lie ahead.
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. The company’s focus on developing cutting-edge solar energy and storage technologies will be crucial in helping Sri Lanka meet its future energy needs while also contributing to global efforts to combat climate change. 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.