Power & Energy Track
From Smart Grids to Skilled Teams
Overview
This track focuses on accelerating Sri Lanka’s shift to smart, low-carbon power systems and electrified transport. It emphasizes digitalization (cloud, data centers), renewable integration, grid modernization, and policy alignment (e.g., solar targets) alongside stronger industry–academia links. With upgraded labs, centers of excellence, better tender processes, and clear investment models, the sector can convert research into prototypes, prototypes into products, and talent into impact, supported by IEEE learning, standards, and funding pathways.
Key Discussion Points
Smart Technology Integration
Digitalize energy and transport with cloud platforms, national data centers, and research on renewable integration and technical challenges.
Renewables & Transport Electrification
Push full railway electrification, scale EV adoption with solar integration, and build public awareness for clean-energy acceptance.
Emissions & Grid Modernization
Modernize the grid via new financial models and private investment; fix tender bottlenecks and fragmented budgets that stall projects.
Academia–Industry Collaboration
Establish structured research centers, university business cells, and formal platforms—learning from Singapore/China models.
Government & Policy Support
Align policy with national sustainability goals (e.g., 70% solar by 2030), streamline tenders for commercialization, and co-fund institutes.
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Work
Connect engineering and tech faculties to build cross-disciplinary skill sets for future industry needs.
Renewable Integration Challenges
Tackle real technical barriers in grid/renewables and channel these into researcher problem statements.
Action Items
Primary Actions
- Skill Development & Knowledge Transfer: Launch short courses in solar, power systems, and grid digitalization; use case studies and foster a research mindset.
- Centers of Excellence: Fund engineering design centers and research institutes; deepen ties with renewable firms and global partners.
- IT & Data Infrastructure: Invest in local cloud/IT stacks; build national data centers and secure networks to support R&D and system operations.
- R&D Enablement: Improve data collection/digitalization; promote emerging researchers; adopt IEEE standards to speed commercialization.
- Investment & Commercial Models: Attract private capital to close funding gaps; design viable business models for renewable projects and prototypes.
- Policy & Procurement: Streamline tenders for faster prototyping and deployment; align incentives with national clean-energy targets.
IEEE Resources to Activate Delivery
- Skills: IEEE Learning Network, Blended Learning Program, IEEE Xplore (training, certifications, case studies).
- Excellence: IEEE Smart Village, IEEE Standards Development, IEEE Collaboratec (best practices, networking).
- IT/Data: IEEE Cloud Computing Community, Big Data Initiative (secure cloud and analytics guidance).
- R&D & Standards: IEEE Research Grants/Awards, Technical Societies (PES), IEEE-SA (commercialization-ready standards).
- Renewables & Awareness: IEEE PES Renewable Systems Integration Group, Smart Grid Resource Center (grid integration, public perception).
- Collaboration: IEEE conferences/events and Academic Partnership Program (bridging research and industry).