50 MW Mannar Wind Farm: To Hayleys Fentons

It is reported that cabinet approval has been granted to award the 50-megawatt wind power project in the Mannar region to Hayleys Fentons, a local renewable energy company, at a rate of 4.65 US cents per unit.

According to this approval, a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) is set to be signed between Hayleys Fentons and the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) within a month.

As explained by CEB Chairman Dr. Tilak Siyambalapitiya, the evaluation process for this wind power plant was initiated under the previous administration.

Following an appeals process, Hayleys Fentons was identified as the company that submitted the lowest bid.

Although the company was initially deemed unsuitable for technical reasons, they had submitted a bid of 4.88 US cents per unit.

During the appeals process, Hayleys Fentons managed to secure the contract by reducing their bid to 4.65 US cents per unit.

This project is considered a significant milestone in Sri Lanka's renewable energy sector and is expected to make a substantial contribution to the national power grid. The Mannar region has been identified as an ideal location for wind power generation, and this project will effectively utilize this natural resource.

According to CEB officials, the project is expected to add approximately 150 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually to the national system.

This will help meet a significant portion of the country's electricity needs.

The approval of this project is seen as an important step in increasing local companies' participation in renewable energy sector investments. The undertaking of such large-scale projects by local companies like Hayleys Fentons confirms confidence in the country's technical and engineering capabilities.

The project is set to commence after signing the power purchase agreement, and all steps have been taken to complete it within the specified timeframe. The project is expected to create job opportunities in the region and contribute to regional economic development.