Sri Lanka urged to balance solar expansion with water resource protection

As Sri Lanka pursues renewable energy targets through expanded solar capacity, experts are warning that the country must carefully manage the interaction between new solar installations and its extensive irrigation systems to avoid undermining agricultural productivity.

The cautionary note comes as the government considers floating solar installations on agricultural water bodies as a means of maximizing limited land resources. While such projects offer dual benefits of power generation and water conservation through reduced evaporation, they require strategic coordination with existing hydraulic infrastructure that underpins the nation's farming sector.

Planning authorities are being urged to conduct comprehensive impact assessments before deploying solar arrays on reservoirs and irrigation tanks. The concern centers on ensuring that renewable energy expansion does not compromise water availability during critical agricultural seasons or disrupt established water management practices that farmers depend upon.

Experts emphasize that Sri Lanka's historical irrigation systems represent critical infrastructure deserving protection during the energy transition. A coordinated approach between energy and water resource ministries could allow both sectors to achieve their respective targets while safeguarding the agricultural base that remains central to rural livelihoods.

The challenge reflects broader questions facing South Asian nations as they balance rapid renewable energy deployment with protection of existing water resources and food security concerns.