Joining the inauguration ceremony of the 2MW rooftop solar power plant constructed by Galaxy Renewable Company at a live stock (poultry) farm in the Mirigama area yesterday (19th), the Minister shared his views,
“It is a great pleasure to join the opening of this solar power plant. What I find most special about this project is the way how electricity is generated using solar panels installed on the roofs of the poultry houses, integrating renewable energy with animal husbandry. This is only project of this kind. Also, as this project was initiated through a collaboration of a few young entrepreneurs, I was particularly keen to take part in this event.
Because, as you know, our country has a high population density, even for a very important sector like renewable energy, it is difficult to allocate a large number of lands. Therefore, solar power projects integrated with farms and animal husbandry not only provide double benefits, but also allow for more efficient use of land and buildings. So, if other industrialists in the sector become aware of this kind of solar power project integrated with poultry farming, and initiate similar projects, it will be beneficial for the country. In that sense, this project is exemplary.”
He also stated that if the electricity generated in this way can be used for daily activities of those farms, it would help avoid current restrictive measures put in place to maintain the stability of the grid and direct them to other investments instead of projects requiring additional investments such as storage battery systems. He also mentioned that in order to achieve the country’s energy goals in line with the government’s policies for A Thriving Nation, A Beautiful Life, it is essential to adopt new ways of thinking beyond traditional thinking, along with new methods and technologies.
Gampaha District MP Dharmapriya Wijesinghe, Chairman of the Mirigama Pradeshiya Sabha Sumith Ratnayake, Chairman of Galaxy Renewables Eng. Dhanuka Liyanagamage, Directors Dr. Praneeth Wickramarachchi and Eng. Thusitha Withanage, and many distinguished guests graced the event.