Sri Lanka’s Cabinet has approved the launch of a procurement process to hire consultants for floating solar power projects, aiming to boost the country’s renewable energy capacity.

Cabinet Spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday said the government is targeting 70% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and carbon-neutral power generation by 2050.

The Renewable Energy Resources Development Plan 2026-2030 identifies several reservoirs for potential floating solar installations, with an estimated capacity of 3,000 megawatts.

Consultancy services will include pre-feasibility and feasibility studies, as well as environmental assessments, before selecting sites.

Dr. Jayatissa noted that while battery storage costs remain a challenge, the projects will help optimise water surfaces for clean power generation in a land-scarce country.