Assessing the biennial conference on science and technology (BICOST IX) 2023 technical output on renewable energy, energy storage, and green hydrogen in line with UN SDG commitments

Abstract

Abstract The development, production and utilization of renewable energy, energy storage and green hydrogen and the associated technologies in Sri Lanka have great potential to contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The island aims to achieve 70% electricity generation from renewable energy sources by 2030 (within the target of 40% utilization of renewable energy sources for the entire energy generation of the country by 2030). The power sector has to invest US$11 billion from 2023 to 2030 to contribute to reaching this target. This commentary aims to provide a critical perspective on the recommendations of the report from the National Science and Technology Commission’s 9th biennial conference in 2023 on science and technology, the sub-thematic technical report on clean energy, energy storage and green hydrogen in line with the SDGs in the Sri Lankan context. The technical report provides insightful recommendations for Sri Lanka’s energy sector under three main sections: renewable energy, energy storage and green hydrogen. Also, it explores the potential of various renewable energy sources, energy storage systems and green hydrogen as sustainable solutions to address the country’s energy challenges while emphasizing the spillover effects of them, which could contribute to the enterprise’s job creation and uplift the economy.