Electricity in Sri Lanka in 2023

As of 2023, Sri Lanka's electricity consumption is evenly divided between low-carbon and fossil energy sources. Low-carbon electricity accounts for slightly more than half at roughly 50%, with the remaining 50% derived from fossil fuels. Among the low-carbon sources, hydropower makes up around a third of the total electricity mix, contributing approximately 35%. Solar energy also plays a significant role, generating a bit more than 10% of the electricity. Wind energy, while still a smaller portion, contributes nearly 5%. This balanced yet significant reliance on clean energy sources highlights the potential for further improvements and scaling up of green electricity.

Suggestions

Sri Lanka can increase its low-carbon electricity generation by expanding its current solar infrastructure. Given that solar energy already makes up more than 10% of its electricity, intensifying efforts in this area could yield quick and substantial results. Sri Lanka could look to countries like Greece and Chile, where solar energy contributes around 20% and 21% respectively, as models for scaling up. Additionally, Denmark and Uruguay's successes with wind energy—accounting for around 61% and 36% respectively—offer valuable lessons for boosting wind power. Substantial investments in wind and solar technology along with policy measures that incentivize adoption could help Sri Lanka transition to a cleaner energy future.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Sri Lanka reveals several key trends. In the mid-1980s and early 1990s, the country saw stable but moderate increases in hydropower generation. However, the late 1990s and early 2000s experienced occasional setbacks, such as a notable decline in 1996 and 2000. The early 2000s saw fluctuations, with some increases followed by declines, though a significant rise occurred in 2010, and a major leap was recorded in 2013. More recently, the late 2010s and early 2020s have seen both growths and declines, with a significant boost in 2018 and 2021, countered by declines in 2019 and 2022. The year 2023 marked a positive shift, with gains in both solar and hydropower demonstrating continued commitment to low-carbon electricity generation.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources