Green Energy Champion initiative produces more green energy blue prints in Sri Lanka

• 80 applications from private households, municipalities, universities as well as public authorities and small and medium size enterprises submitted proposals for Green Energy Champion competition in 2017.
• Rs 14 million invested in installing PV systems, biogas units and other technical devices
• Over 4 mio. people reached through Facebook campaign and TV spots on promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy sources since 2016

The President of Sri Lanka H.E.Maithripala Sirisena and German Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives H.E.Jörn Rohde officially inaugurated the facilities awarded to the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA), the winner of the Green Energy Champion 2017 competition today. Minister of Public Administration, Management and Law & Order Hon. Ranjith Madduma Bandara also graced the event.

The German Federal Foreign Officetogether with The Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy of Sri Lanka, the project implementing partner Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH  and supporting partners Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) launched the Green Energy Champion Sri Lanka initiative, a country-wide competition to identify and recognise innovative ideas on improving energy efficiency and encouraging the use of renewable energy in Sri Lanka in 2015. The project comprisesa twofold approach including a cross-media campaign as well as the island-wide Green Energy Champion competition encouraging for the best green energy idea.

German Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives H.E Jörn Rohde said, “The message is clear; we can’t wait any longer. It is time to shift to a 100% renewable energy future. This also includes changing our energy consumption patterns and increasing energy efficiency in the long run. This is where the Green Energy Champion steps in. Through this program funded by the German Foreign Office, we are aiming to support the Sri Lankan Government in reaching its ambitious shift to renewable energies”

The country-wide competition saw over 80 green energy ideas from individuals, local government institutions, community-based organisations, SMEs and NGOs. Post the preliminary screening, a jury consisting of all stakeholders involved decided on the winning green energy proposal. The second phase of the Green Energy Champion project honored two more winners this year. Diyagala Boys Town who won the second place was awarded with Rs 2.5 million worth of equipmentt o implement their proposal while Batticaloa Municipal Council was awarded equipment worth Rs 1.5 million for winning the third place.

Through the project Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA) was awarded equipment worth Rs 10 million and technical expertise for the implementation of their proposed project, which focuses on solar power, bio gas and energy efficiency. SLIDA was able to prepare a compost yard dedicated to solve the garbage disposal issues within the premises. SLIDA as the premier national institute responsible for the training of public sector executives also installed an exemplary biogas unit which helps generating bio gas through consuming kitchen or garden waste for basic cooking purposes at the institute cafeteria. As part of the project initiative, an Environmental Monitoring Appliance was installed to determine gases in Colombo responsible for the greenhouse effect such as methane and carbon dioxide. The measurement would be communicated to the public as a daily report and produce regular updates via SLIDA’s website for the public’s awareness.

Mrs Wasantha Perera, Director General of SLIDA stated that, “We are appreciative of the opportunity, encouragement and the support that we received from the German government through ‘Green Energy Champion – 2017’ to make our vision a reality. We are honoured that we were able to enhance our efforts on embracing green energy initiatives for sustainability and to be a blue print institution for all public offices and the whole of Sri Lanka. We intend expanding our efforts in promoting use of green energy, improving energy efficiency and waste management among other public-sector organizations by providing required technical support and guidance in keeping with the national environment policy.”

The Green Energy Champion 2017 Project follows a successful first round of competition last year. Ananda College Colombo was declared the Green Energy Champion 2016 for their holistic approach to energy efficiency. The winning project, implemented in autumn 2016, included the installation of a solar PV system which generates over 24,000 KW hours annually, the upgrading of the school’s composting system and the introduction of a solid waste management system. Furthermore, several awareness trainings with more than 7000 students and teachers were carried out.