Canadian firm to invest US$ 150mn to develop solar power project in Nilaweli

Ontario-based American Clean Energy Solutions Inc. is set to invest US$150 million to develop 100MW ground mounted solar power project in Nilaweli with its local partner 3W Power Management Limited. 
American Clean Energy Solutions Inc. recently secured the energy permit approval clearance from Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA).

Last August, Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) awarded the contract to 3W Power Management Ltd in Trincomalee to develop a solar farm. The land was earlier used by Deutshe Welle (DW), which closed down its shortwave relay station in 2011 and was handed over to the SLBC.
Speaking to Mirror Business, 3W Power Management Limited’s Head of Business Development Indika Kumara Weerakkody shared that US$ 40 million would be invested in battery storage unit which will enable an uninterrupted power supply to the grid. 

The project is expected to save approximately Rs.8 billion per annum to the Ceylon Electricity Board by replacing the high-cost thermal power.
The project was realised following one and half years of effort which included a six-month environment feasibility study. As the next step, the developer is in discussions with the CEB to enter into a power purchasing agreement.
Weerakkody noted that the Canadian investor has also expressed interest in investing in some of other power projects including waste-to-energy.
American Clean Energy Solutions Inc. is a privately held company engaged in waste-to-energy, solar farm park, and water business ventures.