Govt. not ready to compromise Adani wind power project despite environmental concerns

• Insists it is the best site with the highest wind power potential
• Project affects Central Asian Flyway which brings one million birds of 150 species

By Kelum Bandara 

Despite environmental concerns raised over the Adani green energy project in the north, the Power and Energy Ministry is insistent that the project site cannot be compromised but only steps for mitigation of damage can be taken, according to a top source.   

Adani Green Energy’s wind energy project, coming up in Mannar and Pooneryn districts, has been challenged in the Supreme Court on grounds of potential environmental impact and ‘lack of transparency’.  

Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority has sought environmental clearance for the project which is coming up across the Central Asian Flyway which brings one million birds of 150 species to Mannar.  

However, a top official of the Ministry said this is the location with the highest potential for wind energy, and therefore it cannot be compromised no matter what. However, he said steps would be taken for mitigation of damages on migratory bird paths, their habitats and breeding patterns.  

“We are open for steps to be taken to mitigate the damage. Still, it is difficult to compromise the project site since it is the place with the highest potential,” he said.   

India’s Adani Group plans to invest over US $ 1 billion in setting up projects in Sri Lanka through Adani Green Energy Ltd. The projects include two wind farms in Mannar town and Pooneryn areas with a total capacity of 484 megawatts.  

Environmental clearance has been sought to set up 52 wind towers. Sri Lanka has set a goal to have 70 percent of its electricity generated by renewable energy sources by 2030, and achieve carbon neutrality in electricity generation by 2050. A currently untapped resource for the country that can help achieve these goals is offshore wind. Sri Lanka needs to add an estimated 11,000 MW to its power grid within the next two decades to meet growing demand, according to the World Bank.   

Sri Lanka has the capacity for 27GW of fixed offshore wind in shallow waters, defined as less than 50 meters, and for 29GW of floating offshore wind in deeper waters.  

Asked about the current status regarding environment , a source from the Central Environment Authority (CEA) said public consultation on the basic study had been completed, and a committee had been appointed for technical evaluation at the moment.   

“There are various suggestions for mitigation,” the source said on condition of anonymity.