Stalwarts from RE sector mark their presence at the 3rd edition of Renewable Energy Growth Forum in Sri Lanka
Informa Markets in India (formerly UBM India), India’s leading B2B exhibitions organizer brought in the 3rd edition of the much talked about Renewable Energy Growth Forum (13- 14th February 2020) at Taj Samudra, Colombo, Sri Lanka today. Supported by Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Chamber of Construction Industry in Sri Lanka, the forum deliberated and discussed the potential of the Renewable Energy (RE) industry, policies and trends, global market overview, renewable energy opportunities in Sri Lanka, project financing and beyond. The Renewable Energy Growth Forum is one of the most comprehensive and reputed platforms backed by the excellence of Informa Markets, the organisers of the Renewable Energy India Expo – Asia’s largest and most influential exhibition and other events across Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Vietnam and Thailand, amongst others. Sri Lanka is one of the Chapters of the RE Growth Forum along with Chandigarh and Hubli in India.
The event was inaugurated by key dignitaries, Hon. Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, Ministry of Power & Energy; Vinod Jacob, Acting High Commissioner, Indian High Commission, Sri Lanka; Smt. Indrani Vithanage, Additional Secretary (Power & Energy) Ministry of Power, Sri Lanka; Damitha Kumarasinghe, Director General, Public Utilities Commission, Sri Lanka ; Toshimasa Masuyama, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and Rajneesh Khattar, Group Director, Informa Markets in India.
As the current non-renewable energy sources in Sri Lanka are costly and contribute to increased emission of greenhouse gases, organizations and industries in the country are actively participating in the expansion of small and medium renewable energy ventures within the country, resulting in growth beyond the boundaries of Sri Lanka. According to a recent report, the Government aims to generate as much as 80% of Sri Lanka’s power requirement from renewables by 2030. This ambitious target, however, means that the Government will have to make some important decisions, especially at policy level to ensure that renewables are absorbed at a higher rate and infused into the consumption pattern.
Speaking on the 3rd edition of RE Growth Forum – Sri Lanka Chapter, Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director, for Informa Markets in India said, “Sri Lanka has been one of the fastest growing economies in South Asia in recent years and has seen a sharp rise in energy use and demand over the past decade as it transitions from a predominantly rural agricultural economy to an urban economy. The increasing economic growth has also resulted in a corresponding increase in demand for energy within the country, a demand set to rise with the country’s present service and manufacturing-oriented economy. The country is steering towards a sustainable and alternate solution which is available within its boundaries through renewable energy resources. What it needs is the support and collaboration from the public and private sectors to boost the use of solar and hydropower. Against this landscape, the Renewable Energy Growth Forum provides international attendees a platform to network, develop the knowledge arena, be informed on latest trends, best practices, innovative solutions, engage in a balance technology mix and discuss the roadmap ahead. In just our 3rd edition we have seen the visiting delegation growth by 100 %. This year too, we look forward to fruitful collaborations and an unparalleled experience with our Sri Lanka Chapter.”
Over the course of 2 days, companies dealing in solar, wind & Bio products, enterprises, banks, investors, utilities, power producers, rooftop and ground mounting solution providers, system integrators, importers and exporters, and freight forwarder among other supply chain groups and Government officials joined hands to address the demand of electricity and futuristic technologies.
The conference put together two days of power-packed sessions. Day 1 discussed topics such as ‘Lighting the Future – How leaders are making a difference!’ that talked about Policy and Trends, Global Market overview, Bilateral trade benefits, Opportunities in Sri Lanka and Project financing and Beyond; ‘A Bilateral partnership for Global Solutions! – Mission 2020 & Beyond’ that harped about the growth of technology that has resulted in multifold opportunities through boundaries and beyond; a presentation on ‘Technology Advantage’; ‘ Financing for Development – Painting a brighter future together!’ this panel session discussed the most important and integral part of the project which speaks from micro to macro levels, the deliberations touched various aspects of FINANICING foreseeing the project Development; ‘Shaping the Future: Technology Updates & Innovations’ wherein Innovators showcased new and emerging technologies and best practices to better power and manage Solar & Energy Storage project; ‘ Increasing Solar Adoption – To Go Distributed or Utility Scale? The Pros, Cons and Global Experience’ that spoke on the modalities, costs of erecting and commissioning of the distributed and utility scale projects eventually catering to the end users with projections over the years.
Day 2 will have sessions on ‘Fuelling enterprises with smart energy solutions – the untold success story’; ‘ Technology Transformation: CXO Dialogue’ ; ‘Learn it from experts: Best Practises you need to know!’.
The international forum had participation from speakers such as:
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Nissanka N Wijeratne, Secretary General and CEO, Chamber of Construction Industry, Sri Lanka
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Dr. P.S.N De Silva, Head of Engineering, Lanka electricity Company (Private) limited
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Dr. Anuvrat Joshi, Head – Business Development, Cleantech Solar (India)
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Rohit Kumar, Head of Indian Subcontinent – REC Solar pte Ltd
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Vinay Kumar, CEO, Varp Energy
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Akilur Rahman, CTO, ABB India Limited
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Samir Mehta, CEO, Bergen Solar Power and Energy Limited
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Ishani Palliyaguru, Vice President-Project and Finance and Corporate Credit Control, National Development Bank PLC
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Kamal Dorabawila, Principal Investment Officer, IFC – International Finance Corporation
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Lakshman Jayasekara, Project Director, Western Region Megapolis Planning Project
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Vinay Rustagi, Managing Director, Bridge to India to name a few.
About Informa Markets
Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our portfolio is comprised of more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. We provide customers and partners around the globe with opportunities to engage experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, specialist digital content and actionable data solutions. As the world’s leading exhibitions organizer, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com
About Informa Markets and our business in India
Informa Markets is owned by Informa PLC, a leading B2B information services group and the largest B2B Events organizer in the world. Informa Markets in India (formerly UBM India) is India’s leading exhibition organizer, dedicated to help specialist markets and customer communities, domestically and around the world to trade, innovate and grow through exhibitions, digital content & services, and conferences & seminars. Every year, we hosts over 25 large scale exhibitions, 40 conferences, along with industry awards and trainings across the country; thereby enabling trade across multiple industry verticals. In India, Informa Markets has offices across Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai. For further details, please visit –www.informa.com