Hayleys Solar Selected for First-of-its-Kind ADB’s Agrivoltaics Project in Sri Lanka

July 8, 2024July 8, 2024 admin

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) together with the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA) 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 Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA), the governing body in charge of pioneering Sri Lanka’s sustainable energy transformation, and the Tea Smallholders Development Authority (TSHDA) under the technical guidance of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya.

The 85kWp hybrid semi-transparent solar panel project, operational since February 29, 2024, installed two metres above the tea plantation at the HanthanaRatnasiri 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 issues of achieving energy security and overcoming agricultural challenges in a land-stressed country like Sri Lanka,” said Professor Janaka Ekanayake, Senior Professor from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Peradeniya.

“Projects such as this are being implemented around the world, and this is the first time Sri Lanka has undertaken an initiative,” Professor Ekanayake added. “The success of this pilot paves the way for a more sustainable future for our nation’s agriculture and energy sectors.”

Professor 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 MWhof electricity annually.The event was attended by SLSEA representatives, including Mr. Ranjith Sepala, Chairman of SLSEA, and Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardena, Secretary to MOPE. Mr. 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. “MOPE and SLSEAremain committed to working with all stakeholders to spread this success story across the country,” he added.

Hayleys Solar, the renewable energy arm of Hayleys Fentons, was selected for the supply and installation through a competitive bid tobuild the Agrivoltaics Demonstration Project.

“We’re honoured to be part of this trailblazing initiative,” said Mr. Hasith Prematillake, Managing Director of Hayleys Fentons Limited. “Our industry-leading expertise and over 200 MWp of rooftop solar installations were instrumental in securing this project. Hayleys Solar is committed to delivering innovative solutions that address Sri Lanka’s energy needs while promoting a sustainable future. Our projects are estimated to save over 202 million kilogrammes of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions annually.”