Constraints for the development of wind power generation in Sri Lanka

The demand for the electricity of the country is increasing dramatically. Therefore, it requires more and more generating facilities connected to the national grid. Since, all most all the economically feasible hydro potentials are captured, the utilities are more concerned on other source of electricity generation. The fossil fuel based electricity generation does not provide a sustainable solution, since the world´s fossil fuel resources are depleting at a rapid pace. Another major problem with conventional fossil fuel based electricity generation is the emission of both air pollutants and green house gases. Therefore, in the recent past renewable energy based electricity generation has drawn an increased attention in worldwide. Among the renewable energy sources available in Sri Lanka, wind power has been identified as the most promising option for grid connected electricity generation. However, wind power development in Sri Lanka is not at a satisfactory level and it has some technical, logistical as well as policy constraints. This paper discusses about those constraints in detail and present a result of a case study carried out to investigate one such technical constraint