Sri Lanka announces bold move to build its first nuclear power plant, phasing out coal as part of a 2044 energy plan. With Russia, China, the US, and France vying to assist, the island’s shift to clean energy sparks global attention.
The Sri Lankan government is preparing to make a historic energy shift, officially embracing nuclear power in its long-term power generation strategy while moving to gradually eliminate coal-fired electricity. This follows a March 2024 cabinet decision that committed the nation to a nuclear energy roadmap, as reported.
Nuclear power is now being positioned as a dependable and clean energy solution, with the government’s Power Generation Plan 2025–2044 identifying it as a key pathway toward achieving a carbon-neutral energy grid in the coming decades.
Despite the high upfront investment required for nuclear infrastructure, policymakers and energy experts view it as the most viable option among the remaining energy alternatives to ensure long-term energy stability and sustainability. Still, launching a nuclear power initiative comes with significant challenges, including the need for robust stakeholder consultations, environmental alignment, and strong public trust.
According to the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), these initial years of groundwork are essential not only for laying down safety and technical guidelines but also for aligning nuclear policy with public and environmental interests.
Sri Lanka is also navigating an intricate web of international geopolitics as it eyes nuclear development. Global powers—Russia, China, the United States, and France have all expressed willingness to support the island’s nuclear ambitions. Russia in particular has stepped forward with a formal investment proposal. Rosatom, the Russian state atomic energy corporation, has signaled its readiness for further dialogue with Sri Lankan authorities.
At the core of the plan is a proposal to build a 110 MW small-scale nuclear plant, split into two 55 MW blocks. This concept aligns with regional trends; Russia has already supported nuclear ventures in neighboring India and Bangladesh, bolstering its credibility in South Asia.
Looking ahead, Sri Lanka’s goal is to generate 70% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. This ambitious target hinges on two major components: the construction of a 500 MW high-voltage direct current (HVDC) interconnection system, and the eventual integration of nuclear power.
Yet, while strategic planning is underway, the government has not yet enacted the necessary legislative and regulatory frameworks to support nuclear energy. These frameworks will be critical to ensuring safety, international compliance, and investment transparency.
As the global race to influence Sri Lanka’s nuclear future intensifies, the nation’s long-term energy sovereignty and environmental commitment hang in the balance.
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