15/08/2013
BMMP focuses on promoting renewable energy development in SL
The importance of bio mass as a resource for future energy generation, both thermal and electrical is well recognized worldwide. However in Sri Lanka, lack of information and sometimes misinformation hinders the utilization of these renewable and indigenous resources.
Biomass accounts for nearly 15% of world energy supplies. In industrialized countries, biomass supplies about 3% of total primary energy, and is used for heating, electricity and to offset emissions from coal-fuelled facilities. In developing countries, biomass fuel supplies approximately 35% of total primary energy, most of which is used traditionally for domestic cooking and space heating. Traditional biomass accounts for nearly 52% of the primary energy supplied in Sri Lanka. Nearly 76% of our population still depends on fuel wood and other forms of biomass for their household cooking. However the introduction of LPG for the domestic cooking some decades ago has reduced such use in the urban households.
Biomass electricity is an ideal solution to areas where grid electricity may not reach due to transmission difficulties. Large extents of unproductive lands would now be better utilized as energy plantations. Not only will there be plantations but simultaneously the green environment in the country will be enhanced. Large sums of foreign exchange will be saved from not importing fossil fuel and can be diverted to other important areas or reserves as a result.
The Sri Lanka-Norway Business Matchmaking Programme (BMMP) of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC), in its longstanding co-operation with Norway for close to 20 years, has played an important role in opening new market opportunities, helping SL increase export revenue & upgrading technical expertise of current operations. In its latest development, the BMMP has taken the initiative of promoting the renewable energy sector in SL & transferring the technology/technical expertise from Norway to Sri Lanka. Recently, a consultant from the Norwegian partners (Advance Business Partners) visited SL in order to carry-out a survey on the country’s present renewable energy status, technology & future opportunities. Main objective of this visit was to gather information, match the needs of both countries & organize a delegation of Norwegian companies to visit SL by mid October. The Consultant met with few key individuals, companies with existing power plants & visited a globally renowned Plantations factory, to study & observe their energy generation process.
Mr. Parakrama Jayasinghe, President of the Bio Energy Association/ Industrial specialist & the Energy Forum, a non-profit organization working to promote renewable energy technologies provided statistical reports, current energy/environmental regulations, an overview of the country’s renewable energy sector & their views on future renewable energy prospects. Many giants representing various industries such as agriculture, rubber, plantations, hotels etc have expressed their interest in gaining Norwegian expertise to develop their present energy solutions as well as to receive the highly skilled technical knowhow from Norway.
Those interested in obtaining the services of the Sri Lanka-Norway Business Matchmaking Programme are invited to visit www.srilankanorwaybiz.com for further details.
