Sri Lanka Has 56GW of Offshore Wind Potential, World Bank Says

August 28, 2023: According to a new report by the World Bank, Sri Lanka has the potential to generate 56 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind power. The “Offshore Wind Roadmap for Sri Lanka” report was launched on August 25, 2023.

The report says that Sri Lanka’s offshore wind potential is concentrated in the Palk Strait, which separates Sri Lanka from India. The Palk Strait has an average wind speed of 6.8 meters per second, ideal for offshore wind power generation.

The report estimates that the cost of generating electricity from offshore wind in Sri Lanka would be around $0.06 per kilowatt-hour, which is competitive with the cost of electricity from other sources.

The report also says that offshore wind power could help Sri Lanka achieve its net-zero carbon emissions goal by 2050.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Sri Lanka has the potential to generate a significant amount of electricity from offshore wind power.
• Offshore wind power is a clean and renewable source of energy that can help Sri Lanka to achieve its climate goals.
• The government of Sri Lanka should take steps to develop the offshore wind power sector.

The development of offshore wind power in Sri Lanka could have several benefits, including:

Increased energy security: Offshore wind power can help to reduce Sri Lanka’s dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: Offshore wind power is a clean and renewable source of energy that can help Sri Lanka to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

Job creation: The development of the offshore wind power sector could create jobs in the construction, operation, and maintenance of wind farms.

The government of Sri Lanka should take steps to develop the offshore wind power sector, such as:

• We are conducting further studies to assess the potential of offshore wind power in Sri Lanka.
• We are developing a regulatory framework for offshore wind power.
• We are providing incentives for the development of offshore wind power projects.

The development of offshore wind power in Sri Lanka could be a major step forward in the country’s efforts to achieve its climate goals and secure its energy future.