The government will be calling for tenders for the construction of two photovoltaic power stations of 10 megawatts each in the next two weeks.
“The government has shifted its focus on solar power and will call for tenders for a 10 mw plant in Valachchennai and another 10 mw in Polannuruwa,” said Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Energy, Dr. Suren Batagoda.
He said that the government intends to set up 100 MW solar power station in Siyambalanduwa as well. It will be another three months before tenders are called for the 100 MW plant.
“We are also having discussions to issue permits pegged at a certain value to other individuals and entities that have smaller solar systems.” The aim of this, he said, is to regularize and ensure that energy is passed on to the national grid.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake in his budget speech proposed that all public sector buildings be converted to green energy sources such as solar within a period of two years. “I, therefore, propose to make an initial commitment of Rs. 350 million for the successful implementation of this project.”
He also added that the banks will be requested to introduce a credit scheme for consumers to set up solar panels for household use, specifically for those who have a monthly electricity bill of Rs. 2000 or more. “The Government will bear 50 percent interest cost on a credit limit of Rs. 150,000. For this purpose, I propose to allocate Rs. 1,500 million,” the Finance Minister said.