(UDHAYAM, COLOMBO) – A discussion on generating renewable energy using small hydro power plants, was held under the patronage of President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat, yesterday (20).
During the meeting attention was drawn regarding issues like identifying the possibility of increasing the 340 megawatt currently added to the national electricity grid by small hydro power plants to 550 megawatt, recognizing the challenges faced by the Small Hydro Power Developers when implementing development strategies for the respective field, ascertaining the new methods to achieve national goals of generating renewable energy and implementing the development activities ensuring environmental balance.
Expressing his views during the meeting the President said that when issuing licenses for small hydro power plants the utilization of modern technology should be considered.
The President further said that steps should be taken to solve issues by appointing separate committees in State institutions after identifying the projects with problems.
The officials including Secretary to the Ministry of Mahaweli Development & Environment, Mr. Udaya R. Seneviratne, and the members of the Small Hydro Power Developers Association participated in this meeting.