Sri Lanka Plots a Sunny Makeover — But on Water!

The Cabinet has given the green light to a bold and slightly glamorous-sounding plan: turning parts of our reservoirs into massive floating solar farms. Think less “floating markets of Bangkok” and more “giant shimmering fields of solar panels bobbing on the water” — and yes, they promise to power the nation’s future.

The Big Renewable Dream

Under the Renewable Energy Resources Development Plan 2026–2030, Sri Lanka has quietly circled several key reservoirs on the map. The goal? Use about 10% of each reservoir’s surface for floating solar, generating a whopping 3,000 megawatts.

This move isn’t just about looking modern and eco-chic. It’s part of the government’s mission to hit 70% renewable electricity by 2030 and achieve zero-carbon power by 2050. That’s right — no fossil fuels, no guilt trips, just clean energy.

How Floating Solar Works — And Why the World Loves It

Before you imagine panels drifting away like runaway lily pads, here’s the deal: floating solar, or Floating Photovoltaic Systems (FPV), involves anchoring solar panels on calm waters like reservoirs or dam lakes.

Why it’s a global darling:

Saves Land – No need to gobble up farmland or forests.

Boosts Efficiency – The water’s natural cooling makes panels perform up to 15% better.

Cuts Water Loss – Panels shade the water, reducing evaporation.

Hydro-Solar Power Duo – Works beautifully with existing hydropower stations.

Eco Bonus – Helps control algae growth and needs less cleaning than dusty land panels.

Countries from China (home to a 320 MW floating giant) to India, Japan, and the Netherlands are already cashing in on these perks.

The Cabinet’s Game Plan

The Minister of Power’s proposal — now blessed by Cabinet — is to call in the experts. Recognized firms will be invited to bid for consultancy services to carry out pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, plus environmental assessments. This means the project will get a full technical health check before construction begins.

From Dream to Reality (Hopefully)

It’s a glittery idea on paper — shimmering solar farms floating in the sun, feeding clean power into the grid. But as global experience shows, floating solar needs smart engineering, serious investment, and a plan for anchoring those megawatts so they don’t turn into floating regrets.

Still, if it works, Sri Lanka could be sipping from the same cup as renewable energy trendsetters, making those empty water surfaces do a lot more than just look pretty.