Categories: Articles

LNP – China offers to invest USD 800 million in renewable energy projects in Sri Lanka

The China National Energy Engineering and Construction Company Limited (CNEE), a Chinese state-owned energy conglomerate, has offered to invest USD 800 million on 400 MW Renewable Energy Projects in Sri Lanka.

The equipment and knowhow will be supplied by KE Electric, according to the Sri Lankan Embassy in Beijing.

Ambassador of Sri Lanka to China Dr. Kohona had recently visited the massive KE Electric plant in Shijuazhuang producing a range of equipment for the generation and distribution of electricity.

He was hosted by the Chairman of KE Electric, Chengsuo Zhang together with the Senior Management Team and was given a comprehensive tour of the establishment. Of particular interest was the equipment produced to generate and distribute electricity produced from solar, the statement said.

Dr. Kohona explained the Government policy to produce 70% of Sri Lanka’s electricity needs from renewable sources by 2030. He also touched upon the locations being made available by the Government for the purpose.

He emphasised that the Government was looking for investors and will not take loans to finance any projects. The CINEE, which had already done some preliminary work on potential locations together with the KE Electric, was in the process of preparing its proposals.

Subsequently, the Sri Lankan team was taken on a tour of an impressive solar installation, Hongji PV Plant Project and Solar Demonstrative Project, in Beizhuang in Pingshan County of Shijiazhuang. Barren hillsides were covered with solar panels.

KE produced control equipment, inverters, transmission lines, etc., were evident. Interestingly, 25% of the revenue generated from this project was directly allocated to village upliftment and poverty alleviation.

A nearby village, which had witnessed devastation during the war against the Japanese, was now prospering from this novel source of income.

The proposed CNEE project is expected to be on a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) or Build-Own-Operate and Transfer (BOOT) basis, the embassy said.

Tyronne Jayamanne

Recent Posts

LNP – President calls on state employees to fulfill people’s aspirations

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that if the current government fails to meet the expectations…

8 hours ago

LNP – Discrepancies in issuance of permits to expatriate workers to import electric vehicles

There have been abuses in the issuance of permits for expatriate workers to import electric…

11 hours ago

LNP – Third review approved by IMF, SL to get next US$ 333 million tranche

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reached a staff level agreement with Sri Lankan authorities, paving…

11 hours ago

LNP – Sri Lanka: One of the best ethical and sustainable sourcing destinations

Sri Lanka Embassy in Brussels participated at the European Parliament “Fair Trade Breakfast-2024”, on 13…

2 days ago

LNP – Jetstar Asia eyes Colombo as key market for regional growth and tourism

etstar Asia yesterday launched its Colombo-Singapore direct route positioning itself as the only low-cost carrier…

2 days ago

LNP – Sri Lanka revealed as most popular solo travel destination for 2025

Solo travellers are getting older and are increasingly drawn to Asian destinations – with Sri…

2 days ago