Hybrid energy project brings sustainable transformation to 3 Northern islands

A landmark Hybrid Renewable Energy Project is steadily transforming the energy landscape of Sri Lanka’s northern islands of Delft, Nainativu, and Analativu, marking a decisive step toward sustainability and energy independence.

Funded through a USD 10.995 million grant from the Government of India to the Government of Sri Lanka, the initiative is designed to replace long-standing dependence on diesel-based power generation with a cleaner, more reliable energy solution.

At the heart of the project is a carefully balanced hybrid system that combines 530 kW of wind power, 1,700 kW of solar energy, 2,400 kWh of battery storage, and 2,500 kW of standby diesel capacity. This integrated approach ensures an uninterrupted power supply while significantly reducing environmental impact. More importantly, it lays the foundation for long-term socio-economic development in communities that have historically faced limited access to stable electricity.

The project has been entrusted to U Solar Energy Pvt Ltd, a Bangalore-based Engineering, Procurement, and Construction contractor known for its expertise in large-scale renewable energy developments across India. This initiative represents the company’s first international project, and notably, one that spans three remote islands simultaneously.

A critical factor behind this progress has been the role played by the Project Logistics Division of EFL Global, which was entrusted with the responsibility of enabling the physical execution of the project. Recognizing early on that conventional logistics approaches would not suffice, EFL designed a specialized, end-to-end logistics model tailored specifically for island operations.

Guided by EFL Director Project Logistics and Finance Fazul Ansar, the logistics strategy brought together detailed route assessments, customized handling solutions, and synchronized multimodal transportation across sea and land. This approach ensured that even oversized and highly sensitive renewable energy equipment could be moved efficiently despite the geographical constraints.

On the ground, execution was driven by a solutions-oriented mindset. Under the leadership of EFL Head of Operations Ronald Figarado, the team implemented practical and adaptive methodologies suited to each island’s unique conditions. Temporary handling arrangements, specialized lifting techniques, and carefully sequenced delivery schedules were introduced to maintain continuity and avoid disruptions. Rather than reacting to obstacles, the team focused on anticipating requirements and aligning resources in advance, allowing operations to progress in a structured and controlled manner.

The success of this effort was further strengthened through close coordination with national stakeholders. The Sri Lankan Navy, particularly the Northern Naval Command and its operations division, played a pivotal role in facilitating the safe and efficient transportation of cargo across sea routes. This collaboration ensured that the project moved forward as a unified national effort, combining technical expertise with operational support.

Through this integrated and well-coordinated approach, all project components were successfully delivered to the site, enabling steady progress toward completion.

The significance of the project has also drawn high-level attention, with the Hon. Minister of Power personally visiting the islands to observe its advancement.

Reflecting on the journey, EFL Head of Project Logistics, Mohamed Niyas emphasized the team’s commitment to delivering beyond expectations and honored the trust placed in them.