The transport sector is a key area of energy consumption. There have been certain initiatives for energy efficiency improvement in the transport sector; however, formal programmes for energy efficiency improvement are yet to start. Initiatives are being taken to introduce a broad programme in this line, and some of the interventions will be carried out in 2022.
Activities
We initiate, promote, conduct and coordinate research, surveys and investigations regarding specific aspects of energy efficiency, conservation and management, as per clause 35 (h) of our Act. The tea industry, which is one of most important industries in Sri Lanka, needs modernization. The tea withering process alone consumes about 2% of the country’s bulk electricity consumption. Fixing of efficient motors, VSDs can be done to reduce energy consumption. However, due to various configurations of the withering troughs the assessment of energy saving has been difficult. Therefore, it was proposed by the Tea Research Institute (TRI) to develop a standard withering trough, which would help in accurately evaluating the energy performance of new technologies. Therefore, the TRI with our assistance, expects to develop a standard withering trough including a modified duct, radiators, process control and spreading mechanism.
As a major step, we have designed and fabricated a prototype of a standard tea withering trough which includes modified ducts, radiators, process with the assistance of the Tea Research Institute, which would help in accurately evaluating the energy performance.
Tri-generation or Combined Cooling, Heat and Power (CCHP) refers to the simultaneous generation of electricity and useful heating and cooling from a single source of energy. In this case, 80% of the energy of the primary fuel can be utilised for tri-generation. This is one of the best methods available for maximum utilisation of energy. In this context, we have decided to explore the possibilities of introducing tri-generation in industries.
We have carried out a feasibility study in tri-generation for the hotel industry in 2015. As an outcome of this, it has been identified that there is a potential for implementing tri-generation systems in industrial zones. Purpose of this project is to explore the feasibility of implementation of such a system locally, and to train and create awareness on the concept of tri-generation among stakeholders. The feasibility studies are planned to be conducted in the Katunayake and Biyagama export processing zones. The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Industrial Services Bureau (ISB).
In practice, tri-generation can be used as the process by which some of the heat produced by a cogeneration plant can be diverted to generate chilled water for air conditioning or refrigeration. An absorption chiller is linked to the combined heat and power plant to provide this functionality.
As such we are exploring the possibilities of introducing tri-generation for sectors such as hotels, textile and apparel and industrial zones and the final evaluation for the selection of proposals is in progress.
Final report of the feasibility study is presented, showcasing the virtues of a central thermal energy supply utility for industrial zones with added on-site power generation capability. Main contents of the report are Background data including Energy Survey, Details of the Factories selected for the survey, Energy Consumption Scenario at Biyagama Export Processing Zone (BEPZ), Combine Cooling Heating and Power (CCHP) Technology, Changes needed for the Energy Consumption at BEPZ, Proposed Tri-generation Architecture for BEPZ including detailed Technical and Financial Feasibility and Sensitivity Analysis , Evaluation of Technologies Abbreviations and the Annexures.
It is estimated that, in general, central air conditioning systems in commercial establishments account for 40–80% of total electricity consumption. In addition, chillers are widely used in various process industries, though a comprehensive survey of their use had not been conducted previously. To address this gap, a survey was carried out to gain an overview of the chiller population in Sri Lanka during 2023/24. The survey aimed to document key characteristics such as capacity, age, efficiency, type of refrigerant, and more, thereby creating an initial inventory of chillers across the country. Using this data, the total energy consumption of the chiller population was estimated, and the potential energy savings from replacing inefficient chillers with modern, high-efficiency units were projected.
The main objective of this pilot project is to replace old, inefficient Sodium Vapour Lamps (250W)—50 Nos. Mercury lamps (125 W)-250 Nos-(1st Phase), and Tube Lights (36 W)-2500 Nos-(2nd Phase), with new efficient 150W LED Lamps, 50W LED Lamps, and 20 W LED Lamps with accessories such as mounting poles and LDRs for 150 W and 50 W LEDs, etc., and achieve energy savings, carbon footprint savings, improvement of lux levels, and improved security and safety of pedestrians.
An additional benefit of this project is its role in showcasing energy efficiency practices to other municipalities and Pradeshiya Sabhas. By demonstrating the successful implementation and tangible advantages of upgraded street lighting systems, this project serves as a model for similar initiatives, encouraging wider adoption of energy-efficient technologies across regions. Moreover, through these enhancements, the project has paved the way for ongoing improvements in security, safety, aesthetics, and quality of life for the residents of Divulapitiya Pradeshiya Sabha Area.
This is a scheme of replacing old inefficient refrigerators with efficient MEP labeled refrigerators in households. It is planned conduct a pilot project in the western province (Colombo, Kalutara, Gampaha), where old refrigerators in 1000 households will be replaced with new MEP labeled refrigerators on cash or Rs.15000- Rs 10000 down-payment and arrangement with financial institute or credit card basis after the vendors obtained the energy label for their refrigerators. Old refrigerators are demolished and refrigerant is collected and handed over to TEC Institutes. Energy saving is estimated for the programme and will be extrapolated to an island wide scenario.
This programme is designed to improve the Street Lighting System in Sri Lanka with the coordination of CEB, LECO, UC, MC and PS. LECO has prepared a report for Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte area. Implementation has started from Nugegoda Super Market Area. It will continue in 2022.
