What Percentage Of Sri Lanka Is Hydroelectric Power?

The Sri Lankan energy mix is largely dominated by fossil fuels, with approximately 62% of electricity generated from oil and coal as of 2021 [1]. However, the government has ambitious renewable energy goals to transition away from imported fossil fuels and enhance energy security. According to Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Power and Energy, the country aims to generate 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 [2]. Furthermore, Sri Lanka is targeting to install 3,000 MW of solar power and 2,000 MW of wind power by 2025 [3].

Hydroelectric power, generated from flowing water like rivers and reservoirs, already makes up a significant share of renewable energy in Sri Lanka. Expanding hydroelectric power is a key strategy for the country to reach its ambitious renewable energy goals over the next decade. This article will provide an overview of the current state and future potential of hydroelectricity in Sri Lanka.

[1] https://www.global-climatescope.org/markets/lk/

[2] https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/sri-lanka-energy

[3] https://www.usaid.gov/sri-lanka/activities/energy-program

Table of Contents

Current State of Hydroelectric Power

Hydroelectric power currently accounts for approximately 40% of Sri Lanka’s total electricity generation capacity as of 2017 according to the International Energy Agency (IEA) (IEA). The country has a total electricity generation capacity of around 4,000 megawatts (MW), with hydropower making up roughly 1,600 MW of that total. The largest hydroelectric power stations are located at Victoria, Randenigala, Rantambe, Kukule Ganga, Norton Bridge and Samanalawewa.

While hydropower has historically been a major source of renewable energy for Sri Lanka, its share of total electricity generation has been declining in recent years. Thermal power, mostly from coal, accounted for nearly 50% of generation in 2017, up from around 30% in 2010 according to IEA data. This shift has been driven by rising energy demand and drought conditions reducing hydropower output.

Nonetheless, hydropower remains a vital part of Sri Lanka’s renewable energy mix and makes up nearly all of the country’s renewable electricity generation. Maintaining and expanding hydropower capacity will be important for Sri Lanka to meet its climate goals and ensure energy security into the future.

Hydroelectric Energy Potential

Sri Lanka has significant remaining potential for hydroelectric power generation. According to the International Hydropower Association, the technically feasible hydropower potential in Sri Lanka is around 2,000 MW, of which only around 1,500 MW has been developed so far (International Hydropower Association). This means Sri Lanka has the potential to double its current hydroelectric capacity.

The remaining potential exists largely in small-scale hydropower projects across the country. Sri Lanka’s river network and terrain provide opportunities for run-of-river and small reservoir hydro projects with capacities between 1-10 MW. Developing this small-scale potential could play an important role in providing electricity access to rural communities (Ministry of Energy Sri Lanka).

However, large-scale hydro potential is now limited, as most major rivers have already been developed. The 300 MW Uma Oya project, completed in 2018, was the last major hydroelectric project commissioned in Sri Lanka (Wikipedia). While some large reservoir projects have been proposed, they face environmental concerns and resettlement challenges.

Overall, with significant small-scale hydro potential remaining, Sri Lanka can continue to expand its renewable energy mix through prudent hydropower development.

Major Hydroelectric Projects

Sri Lanka has several major existing and planned hydroelectric projects. Some of the major existing projects include:

Victoria Dam – 210 MW (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_power_stations_in_Sri_Lanka)

Randenigala Dam – 136 MW (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_power_stations_in_Sri_Lanka)
Rantambe Dam – 40 MW (https://database.earth/energy/power-plants/hydro-power/sri-lanka)
Kotmale Dam – 201 MW (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Hydroelectric_power_stations_in_Sri_Lanka)

Some major hydroelectric projects planned for the future include:

Moragolla Dam – 30 MW (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_power_stations_in_Sri_Lanka)
Broadlands Dam expansion – 35 MW (https://database.earth/energy/power-plants/hydro-power/sri-lanka)

Uma Oya project – 120 MW (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Hydroelectric_power_stations_in_Sri_Lanka)

These major dams and hydroelectric projects provide a significant portion of renewable energy for Sri Lanka. There are plans to further expand hydroelectric capacity to meet the country’s growing energy needs.

Challenges

While hydroelectric power offers many benefits, developing major hydroelectric projects in Sri Lanka also poses some significant challenges. Many environmental and social concerns have arisen regarding large dam construction.

Building large dams can negatively impact local ecosystems and biodiversity. The creation of reservoirs floods valleys and habitats, altering aquatic ecosystems and displacing wildlife populations. Dam construction also fragments river habitats, impeding the migration of fish species. According to the Trade.gov report, various environmental groups have protested Sri Lanka’s plans to build large dams due to these environmental impacts.

Large dam projects often displace local communities as valleys are flooded for reservoirs. This disruption of communities and loss of ancestral lands has sparked resistance campaigns against some projects. Hydroelectric development may also compete for water resources needed for drinking, irrigation and agriculture.

Managing the social impacts of relocation and community disruption remains an ongoing challenge. The government must ensure local communities receive fair compensation and rehabilitation assistance. Striking a balance between hydro development and conservation will continue posing a policy dilemma.

Government Policy

The Sri Lankan government has made expanding hydroelectric power a key priority in order to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and meet climate goals. The National Policy for Off-Grid Hydro Power Generation (2021) outlines strategies to identify and utilize the country’s remaining hydro potential, especially through small-scale and off-grid projects [1]. The government aims to achieve 70% electricity generation through renewable sources by 2030, with hydro playing a major role [2]. Initiatives include streamlining permitting and land acquisition for hydro projects, providing low-interest financing, and launching competitive tenders to attract private investment.

Major government agencies leading hydro development include the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) and the Sustainable Energy Authority. USAID has also partnered with the government on a $19 million energy program since 2021 to support market-based reforms and clean energy growth, including hydroelectric expansion [3].

Private Sector Investment

The private sector has shown growing interest in investing in hydroelectric projects in Sri Lanka. Some notable private companies active in this space include:

LTL Holdings, a Sri Lankan company already engaged in Nepal’s hydropower sector, is looking to bring their experience to projects within Sri Lanka. They are exploring new investments in the country’s hydroelectric sector.

Other Sri Lankan hydropower companies also held discussions with Nepal’s Ministry of Energy in May 2022 regarding potential collaboration and investment opportunities in both countries (source). This demonstrates the growing appetite for regional investment in hydroelectric projects.

With the government emphasizing the current opportune moment for investing in renewable energy like hydropower (source), the private sector is positioned to play an important financing role in Sri Lanka’s hydroelectric expansion.

Future Expansion Plans

The Sri Lankan government has set ambitious goals for expanding hydroelectric capacity in the coming years. By 2025, the target is to increase capacity from 1,620 MW to 2,000 MW, with a further target of 2,500 MW by 2030 [1]. This will require significant investment and construction of new hydroelectric plants and dams.

Some of the major planned projects include the 120 MW Uma Oya project, already under construction, as well as the 350 MW Moragolla project [2]. Additionally, the government recently issued a tender for two 100 MW floating photovoltaic hydroelectric plants to be built on the Samanalawewa reservoir [3].

Reaching the goals will require overcoming challenges like financing, environmental concerns, and technical feasibility. However, with strong government commitment and private sector partnerships, Sri Lanka aims to significantly boost its clean, renewable hydroelectric capacity in the coming decade.

Comparisons to Other Nations

Sri Lanka’s hydroelectric power capacity is moderate compared to other countries in South Asia. According to data from the World Bank, in 2019 Sri Lanka generated 12,328 GWh of hydroelectric power, accounting for around 12% of total electricity generation. This is lower than regional peers like Nepal, which generated 3,896 GWh from hydroelectric sources in 2019, meeting around 94% of its electricity demand. Bhutan is also heavily reliant on hydropower, generating 7,498 GWh in 2019, making up 99.9% of its electricity.

By contrast, larger economies in the region generate less of their electricity from hydropower. India produced 154,324 GWh from hydroelectric sources in 2019, making up around 13% of its total generation. Bangladesh produced 230 GWh from hydropower in 2019, just 1% of its total. So while Sri Lanka utilizes more hydropower than its larger neighbors, it lags smaller nations with abundant hydro resources.

Conclusion

Hydroelectric power currently accounts for approximately 35-45% of Sri Lanka’s total electricity generation. While Sri Lanka has significant potential for further hydroelectric development with water resources that could support up to 2,000 MW of additional capacity, growth has been constrained in recent years. Major barriers include high upfront costs, environmental concerns related to flooding fertile lands, and uncertainty around future rainfall and water flows resulting from climate change.

Overall, hydroelectricity will continue serving as the backbone of Sri Lanka’s renewable energy portfolio. But further expansion may require new strategies like developing small-scale micro hydro plants, updating existing infrastructure, leveraging private financing through public-private partnerships, and implementing climate resiliency measures. With thoughtful planning and innovation, Sri Lanka can continue harnessing its abundant hydropower resources to provide clean, reliable electricity for its growing population.