Hayleys Solar selected for first-of-its-kind ADB-developed and financed Agrivoltaics project
Daily FT: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) together with the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) under the Ministry of Power and Energy (MOPE), the Tea Smallholders Development Authority (TSHDA) under the Ministry of Plantation Industries (MOPI), the University of Peradeniya, and Hayleys Solar inaugurated Sri Lanka’s first-ever semi-transparent solar PV-powered Agrivoltaics Demonstration Project.
Agrivoltaics are built on the innovative practice of installing solar panels above lands suitable for growing crops. The key innovation in the ADB-developed project, implemented in Hanthana, Kandy, lies in transparent solar panels, allowing sunlight to reach crops while generating clean energy, and maximising land use efficiency. This initiative marks a significant milestone for the country’s clean energy and agricultural industries.
The project was implemented in collaboration with the SLSEA, the governing body in charge of pioneering Sri Lanka’s sustainable energy transformation, and the TSHDA under the technical guidance of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya.
The 85kWp hybrid semi-transparent solar panel project, operational since 29 February, installed two metres above the tea plantation at the Hanthana Rathnasiri Wickramanayake National Training Centre, Kandy, is projected to generate electricity to power 19 households, contributing to the national grid with a 24 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery energy storage system.
The project complements the tea plants with a strategically placed LED lighting system above, creating a controlled environment for optimal growth. These LED lights leverage solar power efficiently by utilising targeted spectrums beneficial to tea plants, consuming less energy for sustainable operation, and emitting minimal heat to maintain ideal growing temperatures – all contributing to increased yields without burdening the local grid.
The facility also complements a groundwater pump with a borehole arrangement to facilitate water supply for both the tea plants at the project area and the nearby estate community. “This project has the opportunity to address both the issues of achieving energy security and overcoming agricultural challenges in a land-stressed country like Sri Lanka,” said University of Peradeniya Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department Senior Professor Prof. Janaka Ekanayake.
“Projects such as this are being implemented around the world, and this is the first time Sri Lanka has undertaken an initiative,” Prof. Ekanayake added. “The success of this pilot paves the way for a more sustainable future for our nation’s agriculture and energy sectors.” Prof. Ekanayake also highlighted the potential for expanding this technology to other crops. “We are currently conducting experiments to see if this system can be applied to vanilla, tomato, and bell pepper cultivations as well,” he said.
The project, based on an 800-square-metre tea estate, is expected to generate well above 100 MWh of electricity annually. The event was attended by SLSEA representatives, including SLSEA Chairman Ranjith Sepala and MOPE Secretary Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardena.
Sepala expressed his thoughts on the project, stating: “This initiative has the potential to revolutionise the way we use our land resources for both food and energy production, and it is a perfect example of how innovation can solve multiple societal challenges.” Jayawardena described the project as a win-win for Sri Lanka, generating clean electricity while increasing agricultural productivity. “The MOPE and SLSEA remain committed to working with all stakeholders to spread this success story across the country,” he added.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s commitment to increase the country’s renewable energy generation component to 70% of the energy mix has opened up a host of business/investment opportunities in the country’s power industry, especially in the renewable energy generation sector. The business/investment opportunities related to renewable energy continue to expand in the state and private sectors as they are all switching to sustainable energy generation options. The incentives provided by the local authorities are a further attraction for investments into the renewable energy generation sector. The growth and profits recorded by the local businesses engaged in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy generation sector are clear indications of the growing business potential in Sri Lanka’s power industry. Many multilateral financial institutions have also pledged funds to Sri Lanka’s renewable energy generation sector, thereby making funds available for some identified sectors. All these are indicative of the growing business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s power industry, especially the renewable energy generation sector, given the country’s overall economic expansion.