Marginalisation of off-grid energy sector in Sri Lanka: What lessons could be learnt?

Gopal K. Sarangi (), D. Pugazenthi (), Arabinda Mishra (), Debajit Palit () and Subhes C. Bhattacharyya ()
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Gopal K. Sarangi: TERI School of Advanced Studies
D. Pugazenthi: Ashden India Collective
Arabinda Mishra: International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)
Debajit Palit: TERI
Subhes C. Bhattacharyya: De Montfort University

Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, 2020, vol. 22, issue 6, No 14, 5219-5243

Abstract: Abstract Renewable energy-based off-grid projects have played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s universal electrification effort. The paper, in this context, unravels two crucial and quite interrelated aspects of decentralised off-grid electrification in the country: a) it critically analyses the off-grid electricity sector development and assesses its contribution to the universal electrification in the country and; b) it examines the current set of challenges associated with the off-grid electrification in the larger context of massive grid expansion. A mix of quantitative and qualitative research methods is employed as tools of analysis. The paper brings out several policy-relevant findings. Strategic policy interventions coupled with targeted policy goals, robust community-centric management structures, well-designed credit systems, and well-structured capacity-building initiatives are identified as key leveraging points for the success of off-grid electrification projects. The techno-economic analysis of an existing micro-hydro project reveals that there exist opportunities for more productive use of existing capacity. Grid interconnection of off-grid energy projects emerges as a major challenge beset with a whole gamut of technical, legal, regulatory, financial, and social conundrums. Interestingly, the intensity of such challenges differs across ownership types.

Keywords: Off-grid electrification; Micro-hydro; Sri Lanka; Grid interconnection (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1007/s10668-019-00422-4

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