Electrical Engineering Society of University of Moratuwa has contributed to the nation in resolving key issues and concerns in the field of electrical engineering through the annual Round Table Conference. This Annual Flagship Event provides a unique podium for the professionals in the industry to unfold remarks on a prevailing issue which has a connection with the power sector of Sri Lanka. Advancing with technology to the present and future concerns, EESoc organizes the Round Table Conference 2018 on the topic of “Renewable Integrated Secure Power System for Sri Lanka” on 12th October at the Jasmine Conference Hall, at the BMICH, continuing the legacy of the past twenty four years.
The eminent panel comprised of renowned personalities of the Energy Management Sector and the discussion was moderated by Dr. Thilak Siyambalapitiya, the Managing Director of Resource Management Association. The panel comprised of Prof. John Fletcher, Head of Power and Energy Systems in University of New South Wales, Australia, Dr. B.M.S. Batagoda, Secretary of Ministry of Power and Renewable Energy, Dr. Dharshana Muthumini, Managing Director of Manitoba HVDC Research Centre, Dr. H.M. Wijekoon Banda, Chief Engineer of Transmission Planning Division of Ceylon Electricity Board, Eng. Harsha Wickramasinghe, Deputy Director General(Demand Side Management) of Sustainable Energy Authority and Eng. Champika Periyapperuma, the Director-Technical of Regen Renewables (Pvt) Ltd.
What is the future of the energy industry? It is evident that the supplies of fossil fuel and natural gas resources are drastically reducing, environmental impacts are very high, Hydro power generation is saturating and up to what extends biomass can utilize? But demand for power is growing day by day. Can we meet with this increasing demand using the existing resources? Arguably, it is necessary to shift to a more reliable and clean energy source in the future. Shifting towards renewable energy is one of the most promising solutions, which the entire world is currently shifting towards. However, dependency on renewable sources is limited due to technical and practical deficiencies.
The Panel comprising of prominent figures in the field discussed the matters, How far can we utilize solar energy to fulfil our demand? Even though there is considerable wind energy potential in Sri Lanka, are we harvesting the maximum? Is Sri Lanka technologically up to date? What are the potential technologies we could acquire to develop the future energy requirement? As a country, are we prepared to face this transformation? Along with the challenges to overcome, possible solutions and other key constituents were addressed in a worthful manner during the round table conference. An award ceremony was held to appreciate the panellists, EESoc office bearers of the last year and the best final year project of the 13 batch. Round-Table conference and the Awards Ceremony was followed by a talent show of the undergraduates to entertain the gathering.
