COLOMBO, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka on Thursday launched a 50-megawatt wind power project in the country's northwestern island of Mannar, aligning with its goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The wind power plant, which is scheduled to be completed in March 2027, will consist of 10 wind turbines, and is expected to generate 207 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually by harnessing Mannar's wind resources.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Minister of Energy Kumara Jayakody said the project was designed to strengthen renewable energy capacity while delivering tangible benefits to local communities.
Noting that the Mannar region is one of the areas in the country with the highest wind power potential, Jayakody hailed the project's inauguration as a significant milestone, reflecting the government's strong commitment to harness this potential for national development.
He outlined progress in renewable energy expansion, noting that Sri Lanka exceeded its 2025 target by adding 2,695 megawatts against a target of 1,848 megawatts. For the period from 2025 to 2029, agreements have been secured for 12,789.5 megawatts, exceeding the originally planned total of 9,759 megawatts. ■