Overview
The Ambewela Aitken Spence Wind Farm is a small-scale renewable energy installation located in Ambewela, Sri Lanka. Owned and operated by Ace Wind Power, the facility represents a significant component of the local energy infrastructure in the region. Ace Wind Power operates as a subsidiary of the broader Aitken Spence conglomerate, integrating wind energy generation into the company’s diverse portfolio of assets in Sri Lanka.
As of October 2012, the Ambewela Aitken Spence Wind Farm was recognized as one of the few operating multi-megawatt wind farms in Sri Lanka, highlighting its relative scale within the national wind energy landscape at that time. The plant has a total installed capacity of 3 megawatts, which is derived from a configuration of 12 individual wind turbines. Each turbine contributes 250 kilowatts to the total output, resulting in the aggregate 3-megawatt capacity of the facility.
The technical specification of the wind farm includes the use of HSW 250T type wind turbines. These specific turbine models were originally built in 1992, indicating that the equipment utilized in the Ambewela installation represents technology that had been in production for two decades prior to the farm's operational status in 2012. The deployment of these 1992-era HSW 250T units underscores the specific technological choices made for this particular site in Ambewela.
The operational status of the Ambewela Aitken Spence Wind Farm is listed as operational, with a commissioning date of 2012. This timeline places the facility among the earlier generations of wind energy projects in Sri Lanka, contributing to the country's diversification of power sources beyond traditional hydroelectric and thermal generation. The location in Ambewela provides the necessary wind resources to support the continuous operation of the 12-turbine array.
Ownership and Operation
The Ambewela Aitken Spence Wind Farm is owned and operated by Ace Wind Power, a specialized subsidiary of the Aitken Spence group. This ownership structure positions the facility within a broader corporate energy strategy, leveraging the parent company's resources to manage the operational lifecycle of the wind assets in the Ambewela region. As of October 2012, the farm was recognized as one of the few operating multi-megawatt wind farms in Sri Lanka, highlighting the strategic importance of the Ace Wind Power subsidiary in the national renewable energy landscape.
Ownership Structure
| Role | Entity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Owner | Ace Wind Power | Subsidiary of Aitken Spence |
| Operator | Ace Wind Power | Manages daily operations and maintenance |
| Parent Company | Aitken Spence | Holding company overseeing the subsidiary |
The operational model relies on Ace Wind Power to manage the technical and commercial aspects of the plant. The facility consists of 12 wind turbines, each with a capacity of 250 KW, resulting in a total installed capacity of 3 megawatts. These turbines are of the HSW 250T type, originally built in 1992, which indicates a long-term asset management approach by the operator. The commissioning of the plant in 2012 marked a significant milestone for the subsidiary, establishing its role in the Sri Lankan wind energy sector. The operational status remains active, contributing to the local grid and demonstrating the viability of small-scale wind projects in the region.
The relationship between the parent company and the subsidiary allows for integrated resource allocation, potentially enhancing the efficiency of operations and maintenance activities. Ace Wind Power's role as both owner and operator provides a streamlined decision-making process, which is critical for maintaining the performance of the HSW 250T turbines. This structure supports the long-term sustainability of the Ambewela wind farm, ensuring that the 3 megawatts of capacity continue to contribute to Sri Lanka's renewable energy mix. The operational history since 2012 reflects the subsidiary's commitment to leveraging wind resources in the Ambewela area, a location chosen for its favorable wind conditions.
Technical Specifications
The Ambewela Aitken Spence Wind Farm operates with a total installed capacity of 3 MW, derived from a configuration of 12 individual wind turbines. As of October 2012, the plant was recognized as one of the few operating multi-megawatt wind farms in Sri Lanka.
Turbine Configuration and Ratings
The plant's capacity is distributed across 12 wind turbine units. Each turbine has an individual rating of 250 KW, which collectively totals the plant's installed capacity to 3 megawatts. The specific turbine model utilized at the site is the HSW 250T. These units were originally built in 1992, indicating that the turbines were not necessarily new at the time of the farm's commissioning in 2012.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Entity Type | Wind Farm |
| Primary Fuel/Source | Wind |
| Country | LK (Sri Lanka) |
| Operational Status | Operational |
| Total Installed Capacity | 3 MW |
| Number of Turbines | 12 |
| Individual Turbine Rating | 250 KW |
| Turbine Model | HSW 250T |
| Turbine Build Year | 1992 |
| Commissioning Year | 2012 |
| Operator | Ace Wind Power |
| Parent Company | Aitken Spence |
The technical profile of the Ambewela Aitken Spence Wind Farm highlights a relatively small-scale deployment compared to larger utility-scale projects, yet it holds significance as an early multi-megawatt installation in the Sri Lankan context. The use of HSW 250T turbines, originally built in 1992, suggests a strategy of utilizing established turbine technology for the 2012 commissioning. The plant remains operational, contributing to the local energy mix through wind power generation.
Turbine Technology and History
The Ambewela Aitken Spence Wind Farm utilizes a specific configuration of wind energy conversion systems that reflect the early development of utility-scale wind power in Sri Lanka. The plant is equipped with 12 individual wind turbines, each with an installed capacity of 250 kW, contributing to the facility's total capacity of 3 MW. These units are identified as the HSW 250T model, a turbine type originally built in 1992. The deployment of these specific turbine models indicates a reliance on established, mid-generation wind technology that had been in service for approximately two decades prior to the farm's commissioning in 2012.
The HSW 250T turbine represents a specific class of wind energy technology designed for moderate wind speed conditions, which are characteristic of the Ambewela region. As a 250 kW unit, the HSW 250T is considered a small-to-medium scale turbine in the context of global wind farm developments, but it holds significant importance for the Sri Lankan grid. The use of 12 such units allows for a distributed generation approach, mitigating the impact of localized wind variability and mechanical failures. The fact that these turbines were originally built in 1992 suggests that the Ambewela farm may have utilized refurbished or second-hand equipment, a common strategy in emerging wind markets to reduce capital expenditure while leveraging proven mechanical reliability.
The operational history of the Ambewela Aitken Spence Wind Farm is closely tied to the commissioning of these HSW 250T units. The farm became operational in 2012, marking it as one of the few operating multi-megawatt wind farms in Sri Lanka at that time. The choice of the HSW 250T model reflects the technological landscape available to the operator, Ace Wind Power, a subsidiary of Aitken Spence. The integration of these 1992-built turbines into the grid in 2012 demonstrates the longevity and adaptability of wind turbine technology, as well as the strategic decisions made by energy developers in Sri Lanka to capitalize on the wind resources in the Ambewela highlands. The continued operation of these units contributes to the diversification of Sri Lanka's energy mix, providing a renewable energy source that complements other forms of power generation on the island.
Why it matters
The Ambewela Aitken Spence Wind Farm holds a distinct position in the energy infrastructure landscape of Sri Lanka (LK) due to its early adoption of utility-scale wind technology. As of October 2012, the facility was recognized as one of the only few operating multi-megawatt wind farms in the country, marking a significant milestone for renewable energy integration in a region historically dominated by hydroelectric and thermal generation. Its operational status during this period provided critical data on wind resource consistency and grid stability in the central highlands, specifically in the Ambewela area. The plant's existence demonstrated the viability of wind power as a supplementary source for the national grid, encouraging further investment in the sector by local conglomerates.
Technological and Operational Significance
The significance of the Ambewela project is also rooted in its technical configuration. The use of these specific turbine models highlights the strategic reuse of proven technology to establish initial capacity. The operator, Ace Wind Power, a subsidiary of Aitken Spence, managed the facility's integration into the local grid. This operational model, led by a major local subsidiary, set a precedent for corporate involvement in Sri Lanka's renewable energy sector. The plant's ability to maintain operational status with these older-generation turbines underscored the durability and efficiency of the HSW 250T design in the specific micro-climate of Ambewela.
Impact on Regional Energy Mix
As one of the few multi-megawatt installations at the time, the Ambewela Aitken Spence Wind Farm contributed to diversifying Sri Lanka's energy mix. Its 3 MW capacity, while modest in a global context, represented a tangible shift away from sole reliance on traditional sources. The project's success in the Ambewela region provided a case study for future wind farm developments, illustrating the potential of the central highlands for wind energy harvesting. The facility's operational history since its commissioning in 2012 has served as a benchmark for performance and maintenance practices in the Sri Lankan wind energy sector. This early adoption phase was crucial for building local expertise and confidence in wind power as a reliable energy source.
What is the capacity of the Ambewela Aitken Spence Wind Farm?
The Ambewela Aitken Spence Wind Farm has a total installed capacity of 3 MW, making it a modest but significant contributor to Sri Lanka's renewable energy mix. This capacity is derived from an array of 12 individual wind turbines, each rated at 250 KW. The aggregation of these units results in the plant's total output of 3 megawatts. As of October 2012, this configuration established the facility as one of the few operating multi-megawatt wind farms in Sri Lanka, highlighting its role in the early development of the country's wind energy infrastructure.
Turbine Specifications and Configuration
The wind farm utilizes HSW 250T wind turbines for its generation capacity. These specific turbine models were originally built in 1992, indicating that the Ambewela Aitken Spence Wind Farm incorporated established technology rather than brand-new manufacturing at the time of its commissioning. The use of 12 units of the HSW 250T model allows for a distributed generation approach across the Ambewela site. Each turbine contributes 250 KW to the grid, and the combined output of all 12 turbines reaches the total installed capacity of 3 MW.
Operational Context and Ownership
Ace Wind Power owns and operates the Ambewela Aitken Spence Wind Farm. Ace Wind Power is a subsidiary of the Aitken Spence group, which manages the operational aspects of the facility. The wind farm is located in Ambewela, a region in Sri Lanka known for its wind resources. The operational status of the plant is confirmed as operational, with its commissioning date recorded as 2012. The facility's capacity of 3 MW represents a substantial investment in wind energy for the region, leveraging the local wind conditions to generate electricity for the national grid.
The design of the wind farm, with 12 turbines of 250 KW each, reflects a strategic choice to balance individual turbine output with the overall site capacity. This configuration allows for maintenance flexibility, as the failure or servicing of one turbine does not halt the entire plant's output. The HSW 250T turbines, originally built in 1992, have proven to be reliable components in the Ambewela Aitken Spence Wind Farm's operational history. The total capacity of 3 MW is a key metric for understanding the scale of the wind farm and its contribution to Sri Lanka's renewable energy portfolio.
How does this wind farm fit into Sri Lanka's energy landscape?
The Ambewela Aitken Spence Wind Farm represents a distinct segment within Sri Lanka's renewable energy portfolio, specifically highlighting the early adoption of multi-megawatt wind infrastructure on the island. As of October 2012, this facility was recognized as one of the few operating multi-megawatt wind farms in Sri Lanka, marking a significant milestone in the nation's diversification beyond its traditional reliance on hydroelectric and thermal power generation. The plant's operational status and its 3 MW total installed capacity contribute to the grid stability and renewable energy mix of the country, demonstrating the viability of wind energy in the central highlands region.
Technical Composition and Capacity
The wind farm's infrastructure is composed of 12 individual wind turbines, each with a rated capacity of 250 KW. This configuration results in a total plant installed capacity of 3 megawatts, a scale that, while modest compared to modern utility-scale wind parks, was substantial for Sri Lanka's early wind energy sector. The turbines utilized are of the HSW 250T type, which were originally built in 1992. The deployment of these specific turbine models indicates a strategic choice to leverage established, proven technology for the Ambewela site, ensuring reliability and operational efficiency in the local climatic conditions.
Ownership and Operational Context
This corporate structure reflects a common model in emerging energy markets, where established conglomerates diversify into renewable energy assets to secure long-term power generation sources. The operation of the Ambewela Aitken Spence Wind Farm by Ace Wind Power underscores the role of private sector investment in expanding Sri Lanka's renewable energy infrastructure. As an operational asset since its commissioning in 2012, the wind farm continues to contribute to the national energy landscape, serving as a functional example of wind power integration in Sri Lanka's grid.