Sri Lanka to explore nuclear power options; calls for EOIs

COLOMBO (News 1st) -Sri Lanka will call for expressions of interest (EOI) in setting up nuclear power plants.

Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekara posted on X that "the government intends to include the safe use of nuclear energy as a part of the long-term generation plans".

He said, "the government "will call for EOIs for establishing nuclear power plants & modern technology".

The primary source of energy in Sri Lanka is imported oil, coal, and hydropower. The government aims to produce 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

In June 2023, Russian nuclear giant Rosatom offered to build a nuclear power plant that may run two reactors and generate 300 megawatts of energy. 

Reports suggest that India is the only South Asian country to have a nuclear power plant, built with Russian collaboration, while Bangladesh and Pakistan are in the process of setting them up.