Colombo, 21.11.2023 ]–Greenstat, in collaboration with its partner PDASL, USAID, NSF, and country partner Denmark, hosted a landmark Hydrogen Symposium in Colombo, Sri Lanka, bringing together esteemed dignitaries, scientists, and experts to discuss the pivotal role of hydrogen in shaping a sustainable future.
The symposium, held at the heart of Colombo, witnessed the presence of distinguished guests, including:
His Excellency Hon President Mr. Ranil Wickramasinghe, President’s Chief of Staff (Mr. Sagala Ratnayake), President’s Climate Change Advisor (Mr. Ruwan Wijewardene), Minister of Power & Energy (Mr. Kanchana Wijesekera), State Minister of Power & Energy (Mr. D.V. Chanaka), Minister of Environment (Mr. Keheliya Rambukwella), Minister of Foreign Affairs (Mr. Ali Sabry), Secretary, Ministry of Power & Energy (Mr. Mapa Pathirana, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Ms Julie Chung, India High Commissioner His Excellency Mr. Gopal Baglay, UK High Commissioner His Excellency Mr. Andrew Patrick, Dignitariesfrom many countries and distinguished scientistfrom academia in Sri Lanka and abroad.
Mr. Sturle Pedersen, Chairman of Greenstat Hydrogen Sri Lanka, welcomed the attendees on behalf of Greenstat and its partners, expressing gratitude for the impressive gathering committed to addressing climate change challenges.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Pedersen highlighted the urgency of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy and commended Sri Lanka’s commitment to creating a robust framework for the development of renewable energy infrastructure.
The symposium featured discussions on the Sri Lanka Green Hydrogen Roadmap, outlining a strategic path for the nation. The speakers explored opportunities in the transportation and maritime sectors, emphasizing the potential for economic growth, job creation, and carbon footprint reduction.
The event also marked the inauguration of the Sri Lanka Center of Excellence in Hydrogen (COE-H), emphasizing research, development, and capacity building. The COE-H aims to nurture local expertise and serve as a platform for learning, training, and innovation.
The symposium brought together expert speakers from around the world, sharing insights, experiences, and lessons learned from global pilot projects. Their contributions focused on technological advancements crucial for a sustainable future.
Mr. Pedersen acknowledged the global nature of the climate challenge and called for international collaboration, innovation, and collective action to develop efficient and sustainable markets for hydrogen and renewable energy.
Expressing gratitude to partners, PDASL, government institutions, NSF, USAID, International Solar Alliance, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and country partner Denmark, Mr. Pedersen commended their commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions.
In conclusion, Mr. Pedersen called for collective determination and optimism to explore the boundless potential of hydrogen and renewable energy. The symposium stands as a significant step toward a cleaner, greener future.
