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Sri Lanka is taking a strategic step toward aligning its ocean economy with its clean energy ambitions following high-level discussions between the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar, and Norway’s Honorary Consul in Bergen–Vestland, Sturle Harald Pedersen.
The meeting, attended by Secretary to the Ministry Dr. B.K.K. Kolita Kamap Jinadasa and senior officials, focused on strengthening collaboration between Sri Lanka and Norway across fisheries, marine innovation, and sustainable ocean resource management.
The engagement reflects a broader shift toward integrating the country’s blue economy with its renewable energy transition—an area of growing global importance.
The discussions highlighted practical pathways to modernise Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector while safeguarding marine ecosystems.
Advancing marine research and data-driven fisheries management
Promoting sustainable fishing practices to protect ocean resources
Modernising fishing fleets and port infrastructure
Introducing digital and technological innovation into maritime operations
Norway’s experience in ocean industries and maritime technology presents strong opportunities for knowledge transfer and long-term collaboration.
While fisheries remained central to the discussions, the meeting also underscored the growing connection between ocean-based industries and clean energy systems.
Ports, shipping, and coastal infrastructure are increasingly seen as entry points for future hydrogen applications and renewable energy integration.
Adoption of low-emission fuels in maritime transport
Integration of renewable energy into port operations
Development of coastal energy hubs for future export markets
This convergence reflects a global trend where ocean economies play a critical role in enabling decarbonisation.
Greenstat continues to support Sri Lanka’s transition to a low-carbon economy through its work in hydrogen and renewable energy development.
Key contributions include:
Conducting feasibility studies for green hydrogen and biomass-to-energy solutions
Supporting government stakeholders and Education
Driving capacity building through the Greenstat Centre of Excellence
These efforts aim to build a strong foundation for a future hydrogen ecosystem while supporting national development priorities.
A key outcome of the meeting was the shared interest in expanding public–private partnerships and attracting strategic investments into the sector.
Cleaner and more efficient fishing fleets
Smart and sustainable port infrastructure
Marine technology and ocean data systems
Such investments are expected to enhance productivity, reduce environmental impact, and improve resilience across coastal communities.
The long-term success of these initiatives will depend on strengthening local expertise and institutional capacity.
The discussions emphasised:
Expanding training programmes in fisheries and maritime sectors
Strengthening collaboration between Sri Lankan and international universities
Facilitating knowledge transfer in clean energy and ocean technologies
This aligns with ongoing efforts to equip Sri Lanka’s workforce with the skills needed for both the blue economy and the energy transition.
The outcomes of this engagement reinforce Sri Lanka’s positioning at the intersection of ocean-based growth and clean energy transformation.
Greater alignment between fisheries modernisation and sustainable energy goals
Increased attractiveness for international investors and development partners
Opportunities to develop export-oriented, low-carbon industries
Strengthened resilience in both energy and food systems
As global energy systems evolve, countries that successfully integrate natural resources with clean technologies are likely to gain a competitive advantage.
The meeting marks an important step in deepening Sri Lanka–Norway cooperation across fisheries, maritime innovation, and sustainable energy development.
Continued collaboration between government, academia, and industry will be critical to unlocking the full potential of Sri Lanka’s ocean resources while supporting its transition to a resilient, low-carbon economy.
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Sri Lanka’s future lies in its ability to connect its natural strengths with emerging technologies—and partnerships like these are key to making that vision a reality.
Greenstat Asia recently held a high-level meeting with Hon. Sunil Handunneththi, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, to discuss opportunities to strengthen cooperation between Sri Lanka and Norway in green industry, renewable energy, and hydrogen development.
The meeting, held at the Ministry of Industry on 19 January 2026, brought together Minister Handunneththi, Sturle H. Pedersen, Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Norway and Chairman of Greenstat Asia, and Prasadini Wickramasinghe, Coordinator of the Greenstat Centre of Excellence in Hydrogen (COE-H). The discussion focused on identifying practical pathways to accelerate Sri Lanka’s energy transition while attracting sustainable industrial investment.
During the dialogue, both sides emphasised the strong potential for deeper collaboration between Norwegian clean-energy expertise and Sri Lanka’s growing interest in building a competitive green industrial ecosystem.
A key focus of the discussion was the role of green hydrogen in Sri Lanka’s long-term decarbonisation strategy.
Participants explored how emerging technologies such as hydrogen, green fuels, and advanced biomass solutions could support the development of new industries while reducing emissions in sectors such as transport, manufacturing, and heavy industry.
Greenstat Asia highlighted opportunities to utilise biomass residues and organic waste streams to produce clean energy carriers such as hydrogen and synthetic fuels. These solutions can contribute to a circular economy approach, turning agricultural and organic waste into valuable energy resources while supporting energy security and sustainable growth.
The meeting also reaffirmed the importance of establishing a supportive policy environment, infrastructure readiness, and clear regulatory frameworks to encourage early investment in hydrogen and green fuels.
The discussion underlined the importance of international partnerships in advancing Sri Lanka’s renewable energy ambitions.
Collaboration between governments, industry stakeholders, and research institutions will be essential to develop pilot projects, attract investors, and scale new technologies in the country.
Another important element raised during the meeting was the need to strengthen renewable energy education and workforce development. Building local technical expertise in hydrogen systems, safety standards, and advanced energy technologies will be critical to ensuring that future projects can be safely implemented and operated by a skilled domestic workforce.
Through initiatives such as the Greenstat Centre of Excellence in Hydrogen (COE-H), Greenstat Asia continues to support knowledge-sharing, professional training, and industry dialogue aimed at strengthening the regional hydrogen ecosystem.
Greenstat Asia is actively working with public and private sector partners to support Sri Lanka’s transition toward renewable energy, industrial decarbonisation, and clean fuel development.
The organisation contributes through feasibility studies, pilot initiatives, training programmes, and partnerships that help connect international technology expertise with local opportunities in Sri Lanka’s emerging green economy.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen cooperation between Sri Lanka and Norway in advancing green hydrogen development, clean industrial innovation, and sustainable investment opportunities.
As global demand for low-carbon energy solutions continues to grow, initiatives such as these can play an important role in positioning Sri Lanka as a future hub for green industry and renewable energy development in Asia.
For updates on Greenstat’s work in green hydrogen in Sri Lanka, renewable energy education, and hydrogen partnerships, follow Greenstat on LinkedIn and the YouTube channel.
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Hyderabad / Colombo, 27.01.2026
Greenstat Asia Pvt Ltd and the Institute of Fire & Disaster Management Studies (IFSDMS), Vadodara, Gujarat, India, have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to collaborate on the establishment of a Center of Excellence (COE) in Hydrogen and Process Safety.
The proposed COE aims to address one of the most critical enablers of the hydrogen transition: safety, skills, and institutional capacity. The collaboration will focus on applied training, advanced risk modelling, testing and certification support, and the development of safety frameworks aligned with international best practices and national hydrogen programs.
Under the LOI, the parties will jointly explore:
Greenstat Asia will contribute international expertise in hydrogen and process safety, curriculum development, access to advanced modelling and simulation tools, and support for international partnerships and funding pathways. IFSDMS will act as the host institution, providing infrastructure, faculty, and operational capacity to deliver training and certification programs.
“Hydrogen will only scale if safety scales with it,” said Sturle Harald Pedersen, Chairman of Greenstat Asia.
“This collaboration is about building long-term institutional capability — not just projects. By combining international experience with strong local institutions, we aim to support industry and authorities in deploying hydrogen safely and responsibly.”
Commenting on the collaboration, IFSDMS Chairman Vikram Mahurkar leadership noted:
“As hydrogen technologies begin to enter industrial, transport, and infrastructure applications, safety competence becomes non-negotiable,” said a senior representative of IFSDMS.
“Through this collaboration, IFSDMS aims to strengthen professional training, applied research, and certification capacity in hydrogen and process safety, supporting industry, regulators, and emergency services with practical, field-oriented expertise.”
The initiative is intended to support industry, ports, infrastructure developers, public authorities, and emergency response organizations as hydrogen deployment accelerates across Asia. The LOI marks the first step toward a structured partnership, with the parties now working toward a detailed implementation plan, governance model, and phased rollout of the COE.
About Greenstat Asia
Greenstat Asia is a renewable energy and green hydrogen advisory and project development company, part of the Greenstat group, supporting governments, industry, and institutions in energy transition, hydrogen deployment, and process safety.
About IFSDMS
The Institute of Fire & Disaster Management Studies (IFSDMS) is a national institution dedicated to professional education, training, and applied research in fire safety, process safety, and disaster management.
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Greenstat Asia Pvt Ltd
University of Moratuwa (UoM) and Greenstat Hydrogen have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a formal framework for collaboration on hydrogen technologies and green energy solutions. The strategic partnership is designed to align with Sri Lanka’s national priority on green hydrogen and will leverage UoM’s research excellence to strengthen the country’s role in the regional energy value chain.
The five-year MoU focuses on applied research and technological innovation, marking a significant step towards building a sustainable energy future for the nation. The partnership will enable joint initiatives in knowledge sharing, capacity building, and the development of practical hydrogen applications that can accelerate Sri Lanka’s energy transition.
The signing ceremony brought together senior representatives from both institutions. Representing the University of Moratuwa were Vice Chancellor Senior Professor Niranjan Gunawardena, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Professor Jagath Manathunga, Registrar Mr. D.L.D. Jayantha, and Director of International Relations Dr. G.V.I. Samaradivakara. Also in attendance was Professor M.Y. Gunasekara, Head of the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, underscoring the academic importance of the collaboration.
Greenstat Hydrogen was represented by Chairman of the Board, Hon. Sturle Harald Pedersen and Coordinator of Greenstat Center of Excellence in Hydrogen (COE-H) Prasadini Wickramasinghe.
29 SEP 2025
University of Ruhuna and Greenstat Hydrogen have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a framework for cooperation in hydrogen research, innovation, and capacity development. The agreement aims to strengthen academia–industry collaboration and position Sri Lanka as an active player in the regional green hydrogen economy.
The MoU will support joint initiatives to expand hydrogen education, advance research and development, and create opportunities for students and academics to participate in applied hydrogen projects. By combining academic expertise with industry knowledge, the partnership seeks to build a skilled workforce and accelerate Sri Lanka’s transition to sustainable energy.
The signing ceremony was attended by Senior Professor P.A. Jayantha, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ruhuna, together with Professor H.C.P. Karunasena, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Eng. Veditha De Silva, DMENA, Faculty of Engineering and Dr Sumith Baduge, Head of the Department of Marine Engineering & Naval Architecture. Greenstat Hydrogen was represented by Chairman Sturle H. Pedersen and Prasadini Wickramasinghe.
A high-level meeting between India’s Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD) and delegations from HAVTIL, Greenstat Asia, and Gexcon was recently held to discuss potential collaboration and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
The meeting was described as both productive and engaging, focusing on how the organisations can work together to support and strengthen safety standards and practices across the energy sector.
Director General Shri Arun Mittal and his team at OISD warmly hosted the visiting delegation, facilitating insightful discussions on mutual areas of interest. The exchange highlighted the importance of leveraging shared expertise and experiences to address safety challenges in the energy industry.
All parties expressed their interest in continuing the dialogue and exploring ways to collaborate further, with the goal of enhancing safety frameworks within the energy sector.
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In a significant step towards advancing the green hydrogen ecosystem in Asia, Greenstat Asia, together with HAVTIL and Gexcon, engaged in a productive meeting with the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) in India. The meeting was graciously hosted by Dr. Mohammed Rihan, Director General of NISE, alongside his esteemed team, setting the stage for strategic cooperation in the hydrogen and renewable energy sectors.
The meeting focused on identifying collaborative opportunities that could accelerate the deployment of green hydrogen technologies across Asia, aligning with global decarbonisation goals. By bringing together industry leaders in hydrogen safety, technology deployment, and energy systems, the dialogue fostered knowledge exchange and reinforced the collective commitment to support India’s National Hydrogen Mission and broader energy transition efforts.
“We extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Mohammed Rihan and his excellent team at NISE for hosting such an insightful and productive discussion,” said Sturle H. Pedersen, Chairman of Greenstat Asia. “It was a great pleasure exploring collaborative opportunities and exchanging valuable knowledge to support each other in accelerating the transition towards a sustainable hydrogen ecosystem. We look forward to strengthening this cooperation further.”
Greenstat Asia’s Chairman Sturle H. Pedersen recently met with Dr. Ashish Kannan, Director General of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), for a high-level discussion aimed at strengthening collaboration between the two organisations.
The meeting marked an important milestone in Greenstat Asia’s mission to accelerate green hydrogen and renewable energy partnerships across Sri Lanka, Asia, and ISA’s global member countries. Both leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to supporting the sustainable energy transition, with a focus on innovation, technology transfer, and clean energy capacity building.
The discussions explored avenues to align Greenstat Asia’s green hydrogen expertise with ISA’s solar leadership to create synergistic projects in Sri Lanka and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
Chairman Pedersen highlighted Greenstat Asia’s role in promoting renewable energy education, public-private partnerships, and pilot projects that can fast-track the commercialisation of green hydrogen in Sri Lanka. Both sides agreed that combining forces would provide greater momentum towards Asia’s energy transition goals, ensuring equitable access to clean energy technologies.
Chairman Pedersen expressed Greenstat Asia’s readiness to work closely with ISA to shape impactful actions that accelerate Asia’s energy transition, while contributing to global climate goals through sustainable and inclusive energy solutions.
In a key dialogue on Sri Lanka’s renewable energy future, Greenstat Asia Chairman Sturle Harald Pedersen met with the Honourable Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Harini Amarasuriya, to explore long-term collaboration in green hydrogen education, research, and capacity building.
The discussion focused on strengthening institutional partnerships to advance Sri Lanka’s hydrogen roadmap, combining international expertise with local innovation.
Also present at the meeting were Nalaka Kaluwewe, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, and Prasadini Wickramasinghe, Coordinator of the Greenstat Centre of Excellence for Hydrogen (COE-H) in Sri Lanka.
Mr. Pedersen outlined Greenstat’s mission to support Sri Lanka’s clean energy goals and shared recent progress in developing a national ecosystem for hydrogen research and knowledge exchange.
Greenstat is collaborating with Sri Lankan universities to launch the country’s first Master’s programme in green hydrogen. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has already been signed with the University of Peradeniya, with further agreements underway with the University of Moratuwa, University of Jaffna, and University of Ruhuna.
Through the COE-H, Greenstat is integrating advanced software tools such as EFFECTS and RISKCURVES into university curricula. These tools are essential for training students in process safety, consequence modelling, and risk assessment in hydrogen production and storage.
Beyond academic collaboration, Greenstat’s initiatives focus on creating a skilled workforce and raising public awareness on green hydrogen.
The COE-H conducts free webinars covering various segments of the hydrogen value chain, offering knowledge-sharing opportunities for students, professionals, and policymakers.
In partnership with Midwest Energy, Greenstat Hydrogen Sri Lanka is piloting a hydrogen-electric boat project in the Bentota estuary. The initiative aims to decarbonise inland water transport in tourism and fisheries sectors by replacing ageing diesel vessels with clean, quiet electric alternatives—protecting ecosystems and improving visitor experience.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Amarasuriya acknowledged Greenstat’s commitment to sustainable development and expressed interest in expanding hydrogen-related content in technical and vocational education. Emphasis was placed on aligning curriculum development with global energy transition trends and preparing youth for emerging green jobs.
“We envision the Centre of Excellence as a national platform for international collaboration—from research partnerships to skills development,” said Mr. Sturle Pedersen, Chairman of Greenstat Asia and Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Bergen–Vestland. “We are grateful for the Ministry’s support in shaping a workforce ready to power a hydrogen-driven future.”
Greenstat Hydrogen Sri Lanka is a knowledge and innovation partner in the country’s hydrogen ecosystem, working with academic institutions, government agencies, and industry to accelerate Sri Lanka’s transition to a low-carbon economy. The company supports the entire hydrogen value chain—from feasibility studies and technology integration to project execution and investment facilitation.
By enabling international-local partnerships, providing cutting-edge tools, and promoting sustainable infrastructure, Greenstat is helping to shape Sri Lanka’s role as a regional leader in hydrogen innovation.
Greenstat Hydrogen Sri Lanka invites all stakeholders to join its mission of creating clean energy solutions and green job opportunities.
Greenstat Hydrogen and the University of Peradeniya have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Centre of Excellence for Hydrogen, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s commitment to advancing research, innovation, and capacity building in sustainable energy. The signing ceremony took place at the University of Peradeniya, with high-level representatives from both parties in attendance.
Greenstat Hydrogen Chairman and Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka in Bergen-Vestland, Norway, Sturle Harald Pedersen expressed his enthusiasm for this collaboration, stating: “It was a great honour and pleasure to sign this MoU alongside Vice Chancellor Prof. Terrence Madhujith. This collaboration marks a significant step toward driving impactful developments in the hydrogen sector. We look forward to working together to accelerate sustainable energy solutions.”
The Centre of Excellence for Hydrogen will serve as a hub for cutting-edge research, industry-academia collaboration, and talent development in hydrogen technologies. Through this partnership, Greenstat Hydrogen and the University of Peradeniya will focus on capacity building, student training programmes, and the promotion of hydrogen as a viable clean energy source for Sri Lanka.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Terrence Madhujith highlighted the broader impact of this initiative, stating: “This is a great opportunity for the University of Peradeniya and for the entire country. We are excited about this collaboration and look forward to working together. Our long-term vision includes creating job opportunities for graduates who seek employment abroad, while also transitioning our university to operate on sustainable energy sources such as green hydrogen, biomass, solar, and wind power.”
The partnership will also see the formation of a Hydrogen Association, bringing together key industry stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers to foster innovation and policy advocacy in the hydrogen sector. Additionally, Greenstat Hydrogen will collaborate with the University of Peradeniya to develop training programmes and internships for students, ensuring a skilled workforce for Sri Lanka’s emerging hydrogen economy.
This collaboration is expected to play a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s energy transition, aligning with national and global sustainability goals while positioning the country as a leader in green hydrogen research and innovation.
