The Supreme Court of Sri Lanka has reportedly refused an early hearing on petitions challenging the Adani Group’s wind power project in the country, according to a report by Ada Derana.
The petitions, filed by the Wildlife Nature Protection Society (WNPS), Dr. Rohan Pethiyagoda, and several scientists, contest the cabinet decision announced on May 6, 2024. This decision awarded the tender to the Adani Group and authorized the Government of Sri Lanka to enter into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Adani at a rate of 8.26 US cents per kWh unit for the next 20 years.
Previously, the Chief Justice constituted a fuller bench in the Supreme Court to hear the ongoing cases, following a request by President’s Counsel Romesh de Silva-led legal team representing Adani Power. The team cited the project’s national importance to the economy and energy sustainability.
The Court decided to list the case for hearing on October 14 and 29, 2024. No interim relief has been granted against the project.
If implemented, the Adani wind power project would mark the largest renewable energy investment in Sri Lanka, valued at US$1 billion. It promises to be the country’s largest wind power plant, with a capacity of 484 MW, expected to be completed in record time. The project also includes the construction of the country’s longest 400 kV transmission backbone line, which could potentially enable the connection of new renewable energy plants with a combined capacity of up to 1,200 MW.
Proponents of the project highlight its potential benefits, including annual savings of about LKR 30 billion for the country and a reduction in consumer tariffs by nearly 17 LKR per unit. They also emphasize that the project offers the lowest implementable wind tariffs in the country.
However, the petitioners argue that the decision to approve the project was made without considering Mannar’s unique position as a biodiversity hub, violating environmental protection laws.
The Ministry of Power and Energy has stated that the chosen location has the highest potential for wind energy and cannot be compromised, though steps would be taken to mitigate the project’s impact on environment.
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