SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

Energy Reform in Sri Lanka: Towards a New Nuclear Era

Sri Lanka is embarking on a major reform of its electricity sector, with plans to integrate nuclear power for greater efficiency and transparency.

Share:

Transition Énergétique Sri Lankaise

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

SUBSCRIBE - 99$/year

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

The Sri Lankan government has taken a decisive step towards reforming its electricity sector. On November 20, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the Electricity Reform Bill. In addition, this decision marks a turning point in the country’s energy management, focusing on a significant improvement in efficiency, transparency and accountability.

Nuclear Energy: A New Era for Sri Lanka

In a recent statement, Kanchana Wijesekera stressed the importance of this reform:

“Once approved by Parliament, the new electricity law will enable the unbundling of Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) services, the restructuring of CEB, and encourage private sector participation in generation, transmission and distribution.”

Improving Efficiency, Transparency and Accountability

One notable aspect of this reform is the potential opening up to nuclear energy. Prior to the Cabinet decision, Wijesekera had mentioned that the government was planning to call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the establishment of nuclear power in the country. This initiative follows a meeting with representatives of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Partnership with the IAEA for a Robust Legal Framework

The integration of nuclear power into Sri Lanka’s energy mix is part of a long-term vision. Wijesekera pointed out:

“We discussed the structuring of a robust legal framework for the integration of nuclear power, its safe use, waste disposal and public awareness. The government intends to include the safe use of nuclear energy as an integral part of long-term production plans.”

Perspectives and Challenges of Nuclear Integration

Sri Lanka’s electricity generation in 2020, estimated at 15.6TWh, was predominantly based on fossil fuels, accounting for around 10TWh, followed byhydropower with 5TWh, as well as contributions from wind and solar. The CEB, responsible for the generation and transmission of electricity in the country, plans to integrate nuclear power from 2030 onwards in various scenarios of its long-term energy plans.

This reform marks a step change for Sri Lanka in its quest for sustainable and efficient energy. By considering nuclear power, the country is opening up to cutting-edge technologies and paving the way for a cleaner, more responsible energy future.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Nordex secures 200 MW contract for wind farm in Canada
Pivot Energy secures $225mn to develop 60 new community solar projects
Enel acquires two onshore wind farms in Germany for €80mn in strategic move
Lummus and Advanced Ionics launch pilot plant for green hydrogen in Texas
Niger signs strategic deal with Russia to revive uranium mining
Newcleo launches European safeguards process for lead-cooled modular reactor
French nuclear reactor developer Newcleo has submitted its lead-cooled small modular reactor design to Euratom, initiating the first regulatory phase to integrate nuclear non-proliferation safeguards at the European level.
EDF raises cost estimate for six new nuclear reactors to €72.8 billion
French state utility EDF has increased the maximum estimated cost for building six new nuclear reactors to €72.8 billion ($85.29 billion), representing a 40% rise over the original figure.
Holtec and MVM join forces to deploy small nuclear reactors in Hungary
US-based Holtec has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hungary’s energy group MVM to assess the deployment of its SMR-300 technology, strengthening bilateral nuclear cooperation and opening prospects for a new market in Central Europe.
Radiant raises $300mn to industrialise its micro nuclear reactors in the United States
California-based startup Radiant has secured $300mn to build its first factory in Tennessee and prepare for the mass production of miniature nuclear reactors for off-grid applications.
Terra Innovatum accelerates licensing process for its SOLO™ reactor with the NRC
Terra Innovatum has increased its interactions with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to advance licensing of its SOLO™ micro-modular reactor, despite the partial shutdown of the US federal government.
Clinton and Dresden nuclear reactors granted 20-year licence extensions
The US nuclear regulator has extended the operating licences of three Illinois reactors by 20 years, strengthening Constellation's long-term industrial outlook for the Clinton and Dresden sites.
Orano and the University of Pau launch EUR2.3mn programme to explore new uranium deposits
The SATURNE Industrial Chair aims to develop innovative uranium extraction methods, with joint funding from Orano and the National Research Agency over a four-year period.
X-energy secures Doosan forgings for its SMR reactors
US-based X-energy has signed a reservation agreement with South Korea's Doosan Enerbility to secure key components for its small modular nuclear reactors.
Samsung Heavy Industries secures certification for floating nuclear platform with SMART100
Samsung Heavy Industries has received Approval in Principle for a floating nuclear plant featuring two SMART100 reactors, marking a step toward the commercialisation of offshore small modular reactors.
India unveils draft law to open its nuclear sector to private investment
The Indian government proposes a unified legal framework for nuclear energy, aiming to boost private investment and increase installed capacity to 100 GW by 2047.
Samsung C&T expands nuclear projects in Europe with Synthos Green Energy
Samsung C&T strengthens its presence in modular nuclear energy in Europe by signing an agreement with Synthos Green Energy to develop up to 24 SMRs in Poland and several Central European countries.
nT-Tao develops control method to stabilise power delivery in fusion systems
Israeli firm nT-Tao and Ben-Gurion University have developed a nonlinear control system that improves energy stability in fusion plasmas, strengthening the technical foundation of their future compact reactors.
India opens nuclear sector to private companies with landmark bill
The Indian government has introduced a bill allowing private companies to build and operate nuclear power plants, ending a state monopoly in place for over five decades.
Natura launches DOE authorisation process for its MSR-1 reactor in Texas
Natura Resources enters a new regulatory phase for its molten salt reactor MSR-1, following the signing of a framework agreement with the US Department of Energy under the Reactor Pilot Program.
Norway consults 22 municipalities about hosting nuclear waste facilities
Norwegian Nuclear Decommissioning is surveying 22 localities to assess their interest in hosting storage facilities for radioactive waste from the country’s former research reactors.
Flamanville EPR reactor reaches 100% nuclear power after 12-year delay
Electricité de France's Flamanville 3 reactor has reached full power for the first time, marking a key industrial milestone in the deployment of EPRs in Europe, despite cost overruns reaching EUR23.7bn ($25.7bn).
GE Vernova Hitachi’s BWRX-300 SMR clears regulatory milestone in the United Kingdom
GE Vernova Hitachi’s BWRX-300 small modular reactor has passed a key regulatory hurdle in the United Kingdom, opening the door to potential commercial deployment, despite no current plans for construction.
Natura acquires Shepherd Power and targets several gigawatts of nuclear reactors by 2032
Molten salt reactor developer Natura Resources has acquired Shepherd Power and partnered with NOV to scale up modular reactor manufacturing by the next decade.
China confirms 2026 for Linglong One, the world’s first land-based SMR
China National Nuclear Corporation expects commercial operation in 2026 for its ACP100 reactor, following successful cold testing and completion of critical structures in 2025.
Finnish SEATOM joins NATO’s 2026 defence tech acceleration programme
Start-up SEATOM has been selected to join NATO's DIANA programme with its micro nuclear reactor designed for extreme environments, reinforcing its position in dual-use marine and military energy technologies.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

START - 99$/year

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.