| Location Map Zoom: | 8 |
The Hambantota Solar Power Station (also known as the Buruthakanda Solar Park) is the first commercial-scale solar power station in Sri Lanka. The photovoltaic solar facility was constructed in Buruthakanda, in the Hambantota District. The plant is owned and operated by the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority, a state-run organization responsible for renewable resources.[1]
The facility was built in two stages, with the first stage of 737 kilowatt (kW), and the second stage of in installed capacities.[2] [3] The construction cost of the first phase is expected to top up to, of which the funds will be provided by the Japanese Government. While the second stage would top a cost of, of which would be provided by the Korean Government, and would be borne by the local government.[4] Subcontractor of the second phase is Sunpower Systems (Pvt)Ltd.http://www.sunpower.lk/our-news.htm
Upon completion in late 2012, the entire facility was expected to produce up to 1.7 gigawatt-hour (GWh) of energy annually, from the first stage, and from the second stage. The generated power would be sold to the state-run power company Ceylon Electricity Board, while the revenue would be used to promote rural electrification projects.