One of the alternative solutions for the dam is to use the renewable energy that is already there.

 

   Hydroelectricity  

 

Why would Sri Lanka want to build another hydroelectric power plant?

In 1994, nearly 94% of the power demand was met with hydro power, and today it produces nearly 50% of the islands total power. Not only is hydro- power clean and non-harmful to the environment, but it also produces low cost energy for Sri Lanka. Even the small hydro sector potential of Sri Lanka is estimated to be 400 MW, which is enough to power 400,000 homes.(energy.gov.lk, 2010 )  

 

However, some might say that the amount of hydroelectric power plants is enough for Sri Lanka, since we already have 20 and the building of the new power plant is unnecessary. (Wikimedia Foundation, Inc, 2016)

The three largest hydroelectric power stations are:

• Victoria generating 210 Megawatts, which can power 210,000 homes

• Kotmale generating 201 Megawatts which can power 201,000 homes

• Upper Kotmale generating 150 Megawatts which can power 150,000 homes 

 

 

   Wind Electricity 

 

The Major regions with the most wind power are:

• North West coast from Kalpitiya Peninsula north to the Mannar islands and the Jaffna Peninsula

• The Central highlands

• Parts of the Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces.

 

The potential of using all of Sri Lanka’s windiest sites is 25 000 MW, however only 200MW is used due to system absorption limitations. There are ten wind measuring stations in the country (energy.gov.lk, n.d.)  , and there are 17 wind farms in Sri Lanka.

 

                The top three wind power stations currently running are, Vallimunai, Pollupalai, and Madurankuliya which all generate 12 Megawatts each, and each are enough to power 12,000 homes, which is 36,000 homes altogether.

 

However there is a windfarm proposed by CEB, to go on Mannar Island, which has the potential of producing 100 Megawatts, which is enough to power 100,000 homes. This just proves that there are better alternatives than the Kitugala dam. (wikipedia.org, 2016) 

 

 

In fact, Sri Lanka has such great potential for wind power, that Sri Lanka has the 8th biggest capacity of wind power in Asia in the year 2013. (Bhatnagar, 2015) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Solar Electricity 

 

Sri Lanka does not have a lot of Solar potential, but the solar potential that is does have is in the dryer region of Sri Lanka.

 

 There are two solar measuring stations in the country, and there are two solar power stations with 10 Megawatts to power 10,000 homes. (energy.gov.lk, n.d.)The Solar Farms are Hambantata and Thirappane. (wikipedia.org, 2016)