Tag: Peradeniya

Greenstat Chairman Sturle Harald Pedersen and Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya hold talks on advancing Hydrogen Education in Sri Lanka

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.

Advancing hydrogen partnerships in research and higher education

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.

Hydrogen Master’s Degree Programme

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.

Research tools and capacity building

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.

Promoting skills and awareness in hydrogen technologies

Beyond academic collaboration, Greenstat’s initiatives focus on creating a skilled workforce and raising public awareness on green hydrogen.

Open-access webinars and training

The COE-H conducts free webinars covering various segments of the hydrogen value chain, offering knowledge-sharing opportunities for students, professionals, and policymakers.

Clean Marine Pilot Project in Bentota

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.

Building momentum for hydrogen education in Sri Lanka

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.

A message from Greenstat Asia

“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: Supporting the energy transition

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.

Stay updated on Sri Lanka’s hydrogen journey

Greenstat Hydrogen Sri Lanka invites all stakeholders to join its mission of creating clean energy solutions and green job opportunities.

Author
May 1, 2025
post
Greenstat Hydrogen and University of Peradeniya Sign MoU to Establish a Centre of Excellence for Hydrogen.
Date: 10 March 2025

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.

Author
March 12, 2025
post
Top