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Marginalisation of off-grid energy sector in Sri Lanka: What lessons could be learnt?

Author

Listed:
  • Gopal K. Sarangi

    (TERI School of Advanced Studies)

  • D. Pugazenthi

    (Ashden India Collective)

  • Arabinda Mishra

    (International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD))

  • Debajit Palit

    (TERI)

  • Subhes C. Bhattacharyya

    (De Montfort University)

Abstract

Renewable energy-based off-grid projects have played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s universal electrification effort. The paper, in this context, unravels two crucial and quite interrelated aspects of decentralised off-grid electrification in the country: a) it critically analyses the off-grid electricity sector development and assesses its contribution to the universal electrification in the country and; b) it examines the current set of challenges associated with the off-grid electrification in the larger context of massive grid expansion. A mix of quantitative and qualitative research methods is employed as tools of analysis. The paper brings out several policy-relevant findings. Strategic policy interventions coupled with targeted policy goals, robust community-centric management structures, well-designed credit systems, and well-structured capacity-building initiatives are identified as key leveraging points for the success of off-grid electrification projects. The techno-economic analysis of an existing micro-hydro project reveals that there exist opportunities for more productive use of existing capacity. Grid interconnection of off-grid energy projects emerges as a major challenge beset with a whole gamut of technical, legal, regulatory, financial, and social conundrums. Interestingly, the intensity of such challenges differs across ownership types.

Suggested Citation

  • Gopal K. Sarangi & D. Pugazenthi & Arabinda Mishra & Debajit Palit & Subhes C. Bhattacharyya, 2020. "Marginalisation of off-grid energy sector in Sri Lanka: What lessons could be learnt?," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 22(6), pages 5219-5243, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:22:y:2020:i:6:d:10.1007_s10668-019-00422-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-019-00422-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nouni, M.R. & Mullick, S.C. & Kandpal, T.C., 2006. "Techno-economics of micro-hydro projects for decentralized power supply in India," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 34(10), pages 1161-1174, July.
    2. Himanshu A. Amarawickrama & Lester C Hunt, 2004. "Sri Lankan Electricity Supply Industry: A Critique of Proposed Reforms," Surrey Energy Economics Centre (SEEC), School of Economics Discussion Papers (SEEDS) 109, Surrey Energy Economics Centre (SEEC), School of Economics, University of Surrey.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ray, Manojit & Chakraborty, Basab, 2022. "Impact of demand flexibility and tiered resilience on solar photovoltaic adoption in humanitarian settlements," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 193(C), pages 895-912.

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