Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha has handed over the first payment for hybrid power projects on the Sri Lankan islands of Delft, Nainativu, and Analaitivu, located off the northern coast of Jaffna. These projects, funded by an $11 million Indian grant, aim to install a hybrid renewable energy system to meet the energy needs of these islands, which are not connected to Sri Lanka’s national grid.
The projects are being carried out in collaboration with Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Power and Energy and the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA). The Indian High Commission noted that the initiative addresses the energy needs of the three islands, which are situated close to Tamil Nadu, India.
The Memorandum of Understanding for these projects was signed in 2022, replacing an earlier Chinese venture. The initial Chinese project was suspended in 2021 due to security concerns reportedly raised by India over the location. Work has begun at the three sites, and the projects are expected to be completed by early March 2025, with the final handover anticipated by late April 2025.