After blocking a Chinese energy project near its coastlines in Sri Lanka three years ago, India is implementing its green power initiative in the neighboring nation.
In a major cooperation deal signed this week, the Sri Lankan government and U-Solar Clean Energy Solutions of India will install hybrid renewable systems across three strategically located islands off the Jaffna peninsula.
India will provide an $11 million grant for the project to develop wind and solar power generation in Delft, Nainativu, and Analaitivu islands. This comes barely 50km from the Tamil Nadu coast.
The systems will strengthen Sri Lanka’s shift towards sustainable energy sources. More importantly for India, it helps reduce the island nation’s dependence on fossil fuel imports while increasing New Delhi’s role in its energy sector planning.
By stepping in to execute its offshore renewable venture, India has responded constructively to its earlier objections over a proposed Chinese coal plant so close to its shores. The hybrid solutions also address both countries’ climate commitments.
The deal highlights India’s growing interest in partnering with smaller Indian Ocean neighbors on vital infrastructure through democratic means rather than unsustainable debt.
