Currently, Sri Lanka's electricity consumption reflects a commendable transition towards low-carbon energy sources. In 2024, more than half of the electricity generated in the country came from low-carbon sources, accounting for approximately 55%. Within this, hydropower was the dominant contributor, producing close to 37% of the country's electricity. Solar energy played a significant role as well, generating almost 14%, while wind power contributed a modest 4%. However, fossil fuels still accounted for nearly 45% of the electricity, which indicates a need to further increase clean energy production to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate their negative effects on climate change and air pollution.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember, Energy Institute and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Sri Lanka?
Electricity consumption in Sri Lanka is indeed on an upward trajectory. The most recent data indicates that average electricity consumption per person has risen to 818 kWh, surpassing the previous record of 771 kWh per person set in 2021. This demonstrates a growth of 47 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity also saw a substantial increase, with the latest generation figures at 451 kWh per person compared to the 381 kWh per person reported in 2021. This represents a significant boost of 70 kWh per person, showcasing Sri Lanka's commitment to enhancing clean energy infrastructure and its readiness to meet future demands through sustainable means.
Suggestions
To further enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Sri Lanka could consider expanding its solar infrastructure, given its already notable contribution. By observing successful regions, Sri Lanka can glean insights, particularly from regions like Lebanon and Nevada, where solar energy accounts for around 30% or more of electricity generation. Although nuclear energy is not yet part of Sri Lanka's energy mix, learning from countries like France and Slovakia, where more than half of the electricity is generated through nuclear power, could guide strategic energy planning. Additionally, drawing inspiration from wind energy leaders like Denmark could also aid in balancing energy diversification and expanding clean energy pathways in Sri Lanka.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Sri Lanka demonstrates a series of fluctuations primarily in hydropower production, with notable increases in the early 1980s and again in the mid-2000s; however, it has faced challenges with occasional declines. For instance, between 2010 and 2014, hydropower saw both significant gains and losses. In recent years, the trend has been more positive, notably in 2021 with a substantial increase. More recently, in 2022, both solar and wind energies expanded by 0.7 TWh each, followed by gains in 2024 for hydro and solar, indicating a continued effort to diversify the low-carbon energy portfolio. While challenges have been evident, these efforts highlight Sri Lanka's ongoing commitment to enhancing its clean energy footprint.
