Feasibility Study for a Wind Power Project in Sri Lanka : a Minor Field Study

Abstract: This report covers a feasibility study for a wind power project in Sri Lanka. Three potential sites for a wind farm are presented, out of which the Ambewela Cattle Farm is chosen as the most suitable. Limitations of a wind farm at the site, due to properties of the electrical grid and logistical issues, are examined and costs related to installing the wind farm are estimated. The maximum capacity of a wind farm is calculated to 45 MW. The payback period of the wind farm is calculated to 4.4 years. Environmental benefits of the wind farm are estimated in terms of avoided CO2-emissions, which are calculated to 76 000 metric tonnes per year. The study concludes that a wind power project at the chosen site should be technically and financially feasible, if a wind turbine that matches certain logistical criteria can be found.