EU Supports Sri Lanka in Widespread Energy Efficiency Efforts

Strategic Insights -

The European Union has expressed support for Sri Lanka in its efforts to adopt widespread energy efficiency across the industrial sector, a move crucial for meeting the country's climate commitments and enhancing its economic resilience and energy security. The initiative, overseen by the European Union-funded Accelerating Industries Climate Response in Sri Lanka (AICRSL) project, has seen significant progress in training industry professionals in energy management and system optimization.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Union-funded AICRSL project has trained over 500 industry and government professionals, including more than 100 women, on energy management and energy system optimization.
  • The training program has helped participating companies collectively reduce CO2e emissions by an estimated 7.4 million kg since 2023.
  • Individual industries have achieved an estimated average annual energy saving of 11.8 Million kWh.
  • The project has implemented four industry case studies highlighting improvements in operations, reduced emissions, and new market opportunities for Sri Lankan industries.
  • The European Union and the Sri Lankan Government have collaborated with UNIDO to implement the project, aiming to help the country's industrial sector cut greenhouse gas emissions by 7 percent by 2030.
  • The five-year initiative will incorporate areas including measurement, reporting, and verification of GHG emissions and creating policies to support industries moving to low-carbon technologies.

Statistics:

  • 500+ industry and government professionals trained by the project as of 2023.
  • 100+ women trained by the project as of 2023.
  • 7.4 million kg: estimated CO2e emissions reduction by participating companies since 2023.
  • 11.8 Million kWh: estimated average annual energy saving by individual industries.
  • 7 percent: target reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
  • Rs. 2.8 billion: the European Union's contribution as part of the project, equivalent to EUR7.56 million.

Sources:

  • European Union External Action Service news release.
  • United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) report.
  • Accelerating Industries Climate Response in Sri Lanka (AICRSL) project document.