Sri Lanka Seeks 70% Renewable Power by 2030

Sri Lanka plans to accelerate its shift to renewable energy as soaring fossil-fuel costs and disruptions to oil and gas supplies strain an economy still recovering from its 2022 crisis. The country currently generates about 60% of its electricity from renewables and aims for 70% by 2030, a target Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka says it may exceed, with a longer-term goal of reaching 90% to 95%. The transition faces obstacles including limited transmission capacity, grid-stability issues from growing solar generation, and opposition to wind projects from residents concerned about flooding, fishing and wildlife. The government plans to expand solar capacity, add major transmission lines and increase battery storage, while limiting further wind development in the Mannar area to projects already approved or under construction.