By Rusiripala Tennakoon –

Rusiripala Tennakoon

In light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran—with the growing risk of escalation into a broader regional war and possible involvement of global powers—we must pay serious attention to the implications for our energy security. This is not a time for complacency or temporary pacification meant only to avoid public panic by assuring that “fuel supplies are sufficient for the next two months.” Such statements are inadequate in the face of a potentially prolonged crisis.

Sri Lanka’s current energy situation remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels. Given the uncertainty in global geopolitics and our own fragile economic state, a more proactive and future-oriented approach is essential. We must urgently shift our focus to alternative energy sources, particularly renewable energy, to reduce our vulnerability.

Recent developments and decisions in the renewable energy sector have raised concerns and skepticism. Slow progress, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and questionable policy reversals have stifled momentum, leaving the sector far behind the ambitious long-term targets that, at this pace, risk becoming little more than lofty ideals.

The global energy landscape is rapidly changing. Small, import-dependent nations like ours can no longer afford to delay structural changes. The less reliant we are on imported fuel, the better positioned we’ll be to face impending challenges. We must act now—not with crossed fingers waiting for a crisis, but with concrete, result-oriented programs.

The strategic risks are not hypothetical. The Strait of Hormuz, the only maritime passage from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, is one of the world’s most critical fuel transportation routes. With Iran threatening to block this passage, a staggering 20% of global oil shipments could be affected—disrupting supplies across the Indian Ocean region, including Sri Lanka.

Apart from these external risks, our own economic limitations make dependency on fuel imports even more untenable. Reducing this dependency is not only an energy strategy—it is an economic imperative.

Sri Lanka possesses several immediate, underutilized renewable energy opportunities that can be scaled up quickly:

* Mini-hydro power projects (MHPs) that have already been designed and are pending approval could generate 200–300 MW in the short term.

* Rooftop solar installations, with proper incentives and policy support, could contribute another 300–400 MW.

* Waste-to-energy projects using urban municipal waste—currently unutilized—can offer fast-track solutions while simultaneously addressing the serious issue of waste disposal.

These projects not only promise energy generation but also offer social, environmental, and political dividends. For instance, the bioproducts such as organic fertilizer from waste-to-energy projects can generate revenue for local bodies, many of which are under government control. Such initiatives could also enhance the political capital of newly elected local authorities.

A major impediment to progress has been the lack of coordination among key institutions such as the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA), and the Central Environmental Authority (CEA). Developers of renewable energy projects frequently encounter delays due to the absence of a streamlined approval process.

It is time to establish a single authoritative coordination body—a one-stop decision-making unit—comprising representatives from these key agencies, empowered to resolve disputes, remove bottlenecks, and ensure steady progress in project implementation.

Another immediate concern is the significant loss of energy during transmission. Addressing this issue alone could restore a sizable portion of lost power, and could be prioritized with both domestic funding and international assistance.

To truly accelerate the renewable energy transition, political will, administrative efficiency, and public awareness must converge. The looming global crisis only reinforces the urgency. Renewable energy is no longer just an environmental or economic goal—it is now a matter of national security.