On November 17, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced its new $19 million, 5-year Sri Lanka Energy Programme.
Once finalised, this grant will support Sri Lanka’s vision to increase the generation of renewable energy to 70% by the year 2030 and will contribute to the transformation of its power sector into a market-based, secure, dependable, and long-term system.
“Government coordination, community engagement, and private sector participation are key to expanding the generation of renewable energy,” said USAID Mission Director Reed Aeschliman. “We are excited to partner with Sri Lanka as it prioritises renewable energy to fuel its economic and social development.”
The Sri Lanka Energy Programme’s local and international experts and partners will accelerate renewable energy adoption through promoting energy efficiency, strengthening the grid to accommodate increased renewable energy, and catalyzing private sector investment in the energy sector.
They will identify low-cost, competitive options for renewable energy and support start-ups in the sector to encourage the development and deployment of innovative technologies.
Further, the initiative will work to safely and reliably deliver affordable electricity to all citizens to help power a competitive, 21st century economy in Sri Lanka.
Speaking at a reception, the Secretary of the Ministry of Power said, "Sri Lanka has now committed to the Nationally Determined Contributions of reaching 70% share of renewable energy by 2030 for the power sector and carbon neutrality by 2050. These are mammoth targets and we have to put a lot of effort to reach them. Therefore, in doing so your support, assistance, and encouragement will be critical. To help support a clean, green country we will also need to coordinate efforts between all stakeholders responsible for energy efficiency".
