THREE LANKA project in line with future government energy policy.

The main objective of “Training Hub for Renewable Energy Technologies in Sri Lanka- THREE LANKA” project is to address the existing skill gaps of Sri Lanka in the area of Renewable Energy (RE) Technologies. Considering the increase electricity demand and future vision of having sustainability, the outcome of this project is critical for Sri Lanka. The government of Sri Lanka has provided policy direction to produce 70% energy demand from renewable energy sources in year 2030. Thus, the intended outcome of this project for addressing the existing skill gap in the area of RE technologies is a timely requirement of the country.

THREE LANKA project addresses the multiple key challenges for achieving RE supply targets for Sri Lanka

According to a joint study conducted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Asian Development Bank (ADB), Sri Lanka can meet its entire current and future electricity demand by judicial use of RE by 2050. The report, titled “Assessment of Sri Lanka’s Power Sector : 100 % Electricity Generation through Renewable Energy by 2050”, indicates that by 2050, the country’s installed electricity generation capacity demand will increase from the current 3,700 MW to about 34,000 MW. This demand could be met by producing 15,000 MW from wind energy and about 16,000 MW from solar energy. The balance capacity could be met by hydro and biomass-based power plants. In this context, further to the addition of renewables-based electricity generating sources, the study has also identified the need to introduce electricity storage-based solutions which should provide instantaneous firm power of 3,600 MW and energy storage capacity of 15,000 MWh to ensure stability of the electricity grid. In addition, integration of micro/smart grid based innovative solutions could be envisaged.

There are multiple key challenges, which will have to be proactively addressed for achieving the above RE supply targets of Sri Lanka. This will mainly include, (1) a large amount of investment requirement for infrastructure development, (2) meeting technical challenges in terms of system control/balancing the national grid in a high RE scenario, (3) Non-availability of proper incentives to develop RE based generation capacity, (4) the current high cost of electricity delivered from RE sources and expected to be diminishing, (5) Lack of local research development and education programmes in RE technologies for necessary preparedness of the human resource development & mobilization, (6) lack of proper awareness and education among stakeholders (7) the dependence of RE industry on importing RE expertise and resources. Furthermore, inadequate servicing and maintenance of equipment facilities, together with low reliability in the locally available technology, reduces the confidence in adapting renewable energy technologies.

Objectives of the Project

This overall aim of the project is to develop the required skill levels in Sri Lanka for sustainable development in RE sector by encompassing successful knowledge exchange with EU universities. The specific objectives of this project are to:

• Develop comprehensive gap analysis of the renewable energy sector skills’ shortages in Sri Lanka.
• Develop a training program on PV and other renewable sources; to meet known and identified industry requirements, that may lead to diploma or master courses.
• Offer quality teaching and Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses for those seeking skills, or to update skills and knowledge, required to work in renewable energy sector.
• Recognition of THREE LANKA as a regional Centre of Excellence for RE education/ training programs.
• Establish exchange links between Sri Lanka and EU for academic and technical support needed for the centre, e.g. train Sri Lankan staff in EU partner institutions and have staff from EU partners teach in Sri Lanka.
• Develop resources and experiments for the modules to be taught.
• Document differences in theoretical and practical training between Sri Lanka and the EU, to demonstrate the benefit of the THREE cross-disciplinary energy related curriculum.
• Identify possible developments to harmonize Sri Lankan and European education.