Swisstek Aluminium turns to renewable energy usage, installs solar power generation facilities

Swisstek Aluminium Limited, a Sri Lanka-based aluminium product manufacturer, is now part of the national sustainability drive through solar power generation facilities installation at its factory complex to shift to the usage of renewable energy. This initiative is expected to boost the company’s export share, considering the global aluminium consumers preference for materials from eco-friendly manufacturers.

A rooftop solar panel array has been installed, given the factory’s large area and roof capacity. Thus, a total of 3,340 photovoltaic panels have been installed under the Ceylon Electricity Board’s net plus scheme, with a significant investment of over INR 156.5 million. The rooftop solar panels enable the generation of up to 30 per cent of the factory’s power consumption, whilst reducing carbon footprint generated by Swisstek’s operations.

Swisstek Aluminium explained that the factory, which handles the powder coating and anodizing treatment processes of extruded aluminium products, was consuming high levels of energy due to the resource-intensive processes being used. With the rising price of electricity and increased demand for corporate sustainability, the management decided to implement renewable power generation facilities. This move is also in line with Sri Lanka’s goal of producing 70 per cent of the required energy from renewable sources by 2030.

Swisstek Aluminium Chief Executive Officer Tharindu Atapattu stated, “At Swisstek Aluminium, our quality promise also comes with a commitment to becoming the most environmentally-friendly manufacturer for aluminium extrusions in Sri Lanka. Completing this renewable energy generation project marks a huge step towards ensuring sustainability, as we have reduced a large portion of our carbon footprint.”

He added, “In this way, we aim to continue contributing towards the country’s progress towards its goals of achieving an export-oriented economy, as well as reducing the demand for non-renewable energy, which we hope will set an example for other industries to follow suit. Especially given the current situation, we believe it is up to all of us to do our part in taking Sri Lanka forward.”

Atapattu further noted, “We aim to further increase renewable powder generation capacity to 100% by undertaking similar efforts in the future, thus achieving a carbon-neutral production process through our next phase of development.”