Sri Lanka has begun preliminary work toward its first proposed canal-top solar power project, with an initial 5-megawatt (MW) pilot envisaged over the Viyana Canal in the Mahiyangana area.
The first phase is proposed to cover approximately five kilometres of the canal.
The Viyana Canal itself extends for more than 20 kilometres.
Why canal-top solar is different
Canal-top solar systems install photovoltaic panels above or along canal infrastructure.
One potential advantage is the ability to generate renewable electricity without requiring large additional areas of land solely for a solar farm.
The proposed Viyana Canal project is being examined as a pilot for this approach in Sri Lanka.
Still at an early stage
The project remains subject to preparatory work including:
- feasibility assessment;
- environmental considerations;
- technical planning; and
- financing arrangements.
No final construction contract, definitive project cost or commissioning date has been confirmed in the material approved for this article.
No final contract, definitive cost or commissioning date has been confirmed. Construction and electricity generation have not started.