Adani Green Energy’s ambitious wind power project, valued at US$442 million, situated in Mannar and Pooneryn, is currently undergoing a technical review by the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) following a public consultation process on its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
The project, which aims to add 250 MW in Mannar and 234 MW in Pooneryn to the national grid, has encountered several public complaints regarding its potential impact on the Central Asian Flyway, migratory birds, marine life, and other environmental concerns, as outlined in the SLSEA report.
Addressing these concerns, the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has initiated a technical review process after receiving the SLSEA’s technical response to public comments on the EIA report, according to a high official of the SLSEA.
Environmental lawyer Dr. Jagath Gunawardana criticized Adani for allegedly failing to adhere to the basic requirements of the EIA process, particularly in providing meaningful alternatives to the project as required by the National Environment Act.
Environmentalists and residents of Mannar have voiced apprehensions about the potential biodiversity loss and the impact on coastal livelihoods posed by the wind energy project. They fear that the proposed installation of 52 wind turbines, each with a capacity of 5.2 MW, across Mannar could pose significant risks to migratory birds.
The EIA, including Birds and Bats Studies, conducted by the SLSEA under the leadership of Senior Prof. Devaka Weerakoon from the University of Colombo, involved year-long on-ground studies and considered data sets from organizations such as The Ceylon Bird Club (CBC) and The Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka (FOGSL), as well as Ramsar data sheets. The report provides guidelines for the developer to mitigate environmental impact.
In response, a spokesman for the Adani Group assured that modern technology would be deployed to minimize the project’s environmental impact while adhering to the scheduled timeline and budget. The project plans to utilize 5.2 MW Wind Turbine Generators, among the most powerful onshore wind turbines globally, to maximize generation while minimizing the footprint.
Additionally, AI-based radar systems will be employed to detect incoming bird flocks, automatically shutting down turbines during high-risk periods. Acoustic and visual deterrents, such as painting the blade tips, will be installed to deter bird collisions, along with taller turbines featuring slower blade rotation speeds to reduce collision risks.
The ongoing review underscores the importance of balancing renewable energy development with environmental conservation efforts, highlighting the need for rigorous assessment and mitigation measures to address potential ecological impacts.
