As the second phase of the public power-generating programme ‘Surya Bala Sangramaya’ (SBS) launched by His Excellency President Maithripala Sirisena, the Ceylon Electricity Board together with the Ministry of Power & Renewable Energy of Sri Lanka, has now opened international competitive bidding by announcing the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the establishment of 60 solar power plants of 1MW each on build, own and operate (BOO) basis across the country. JLanka Technologies, the premier solar solution provider in Sri Lanka is stepping up to offer their highly demanded expertise and professional services for prospective project developers and investors.

JLanka offers comprehensive support services for prospective developers who are required to design, finance, procure, construct, commission, operate and maintain the solar PV power plant. The service offerings cover all aspects of the project, from the submission of a complete, competitive and professional RFP to the design and construction of the solar power plant.

The company will calculate the proposed PV power plant’s annual electrical energy production, and assess the project feasibility and revenue to support developers in attracting investors and necessary financing. JLanka will ensure the compliance of the resulting 20-year Power Purchase Agreement between the developer and the Ceylon Electricity Board, with local solar industry standards and regulations. The company offers expert advice on site selection, helping developers secure all environmental clearances, Governmental approvals and statutory licenses. JLanka will also introduce developers to landowners of suitable sites, with incentives from Sri Lankan banking and financial institutions.

Having accumulated knowledge and expertise on the subject over the years, JLanka will review proposed plant design to maximize energy production and minimize system lifetime costs. Subcontracting is carried out by the company, drawing from their vast network of associates and partners in the construction industry in Sri Lanka. Post-construction services such as operation and maintenance will also be carried out by JLanka.

“We understand our responsibility to support this historical endeavor in Sri Lanka,” stated Srinath Dolage, Marketing Manager of JLanka. “As the leading Sri Lankan solar expert, we have always endorsed the use of renewable energy to address the demand of the power lag in Sri Lanka. Therefore, we are truly excited to be part of this project and provide our assistance to developers and investors, to ensure the best solutions are initiated.”

In order to further educate invested parties of the benefits of this project, JLanka, together with The Ceylon Institute of Builders (CIOB), the premiere body of building and construction professionals in Sri Lanka, will host a forum and networking reception for project developers entering the market, contractors, investors, policy makers and other stakeholders, on the 20th of March at 5 p.m. at the Golden Pond, Taj Samudra. Titled ‘The Key Aspects of Utility Scale Solar PV Project Planning’, this forum is facilitated by the Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy of Sri Lanka, the Ceylon Electricity Board and the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority with an objective to clarify how to successfully develop, finance, construct and operate utility-scale solar PV power plants. Hon. Ajith P. Perera, Deputy Minister of Power and Renewable Energy stated, will be Chief Guest at the event.

“Of all the available renewable energy sources, solar is one of the most viable for Sri Lanka,” the Deputy Minister stated. “We are now continuing the Phase 2 of the Surya Bala Sangramaya, aiming to produce more electricity that can be fed to the national grid at a larger scale. This is why we have opened tenders for 60 solar PV plants throughout the island. Anyone can apply for the tenders, and we encourage local organizations to bid for this opportunity, to join us in creating a more sustainable Sri Lanka.”

The grid substations that would be connected to the proposed 60 power plants are Anuradhapura, Habarana, Kilinochchi, Maho, Pannala, Polonnaruwa, Valachchenai, Vavuniya, Horana, Panadura, Embilipitiya, Beliatta, Galle, Matara, Mathugama, Ampara, Mahiyanganaya, Monaragala, Pallekele and Vavunathivu.

Visit utilitysolar.jlanka.com for more details on this project and seminar.