Sri Lanka commissions 5-megawatt floating solar plant at Ibbankatuwa

The 5-megawatt solar installation was connected to the national electricity grid on Wednesday afternoon, adding to the country's growing renewable energy capacity. The project represents part of the government's wider initiative to increase electricity generation from clean energy sources and reduce reliance on conventional power generation methods.

Located on the Ibbankatuwa Reservoir in the Dambulla area, the Diya Janani floating solar plant utilizes photovoltaic technology installed on the water's surface. This approach to solar energy generation offers advantages including reduced land use and improved cooling efficiency of the solar panels due to water proximity.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by President Dissanayake, underscoring the strategic importance of renewable energy projects to the government's energy policy framework. The project aligns with Sri Lanka's broader commitments to sustainable power generation and environmental conservation.

Floating solar installations have gained prominence across Asia as nations seek to maximize renewable energy output while minimizing geographical footprint. The Ibbankatuwa facility joins other initiatives aimed at diversifying Sri Lanka's energy mix and enhancing grid stability through renewable sources.