Norwegian Ambassador opens Sri Lanka’s first floating solar plant during visit to North
Norwegian Ambassador H.E. Trine Jøranli Eskedal visited Jaffna and Kilinochchi from 22 to 24 January. The highlight of her visit to the North was the opening of Sri Lanka’s first-ever floating solar plant with a capacity of 42KW located at the Kilinochchi campus of the Jaffna University. The project is a result of the research collaboration since 2017 between the University of Jaffna and the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences supported by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Colombo.
Minister instructs to expedite implementation of 14 solar power projects
The Minister of Power and Energy Mahinda Amaraweera has instructed the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) officials to promptly commence work on 14 solar power projects which have already received cabinet approval and will add 96 MW to the national grid. Minister Amaraweera noted that all projects in every aspect of generating electricity should be implemented in order to ensure that the entire system does not collapse while adding power to the national grid. Steps need to be taken to build hydro, coal, natural gas, solar and wind power plants as well as wave power generation. The Minister requested the officials to give attention to all sectors of electricity generation. The Minister said that he will consider the objections raised by various parties to power generation projects using coal and fuel and hopes to find solutions in consultation with relevant parties.
Nepal and Bhutan are facing similar problems due to climate change
Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Barshaman Pun has said that Nepal and Bhutan are facing similar problems in the energy sector. Mentioning geographical and climate similarities, Pun in a sideline meeting with the Bhutanese Minister for Economic Affairs, Loknath Sharma said that the two countries have been facing similar problems because of climate change.The ministers were in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for an annual conference of the International Renewable Energy Agency sat on a sideline meeting on Friday and discussed the prospects the two countries had in the energy field. The ministers agreed on solving the problems together.
PEC can act as think-tank by contributing in water policy, solar grid stations: Chairman PEC
Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) has the ability to act as a think tank for the country by providing guidelines in Water Policy, Construction Industries Regulation, Engineering Education, Building Code and Solar Grid Stations.This was stated by Chairman PEC, Engineer Jawed Salim Qureshi during the 11th meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Science and Technology held under the chairmanship of Sajid Mehdi, Member National Assembly. During the briefing, the chairman PEC informed that the council could act as a think tank to render the advice on technical matters or projects for the federal government.
Bangladesh floats tenders of 50 MW solar plant
The Electricity Generation Company of Bangladesh is tendering for a 50 MW solar plant at Sonagazi in the Feni district with a pre-bid meeting organized on January 20.Bidders for the project, which has received a $74 million loan from the World Bank’s Scaling Solar program, have until February 27 to submit their proposals. Interested developers – who will pay a non-refundable $500 to the office of the project director in Dhaka in return for bidding paperwork – must offer $1.5 million as bid security from a commercial bank in an eligible country. The tender stipulates a maximum of three partners in any joint bid.
