Sri Lanka calls for RFIs to launch Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia projects, signaling a strategic push to position the island as a regional hub for next-generation clean energy production and exports.
Sri Lanka calls for RFIs to accelerate Green Hydrogen and ammonia investments
The initiative, jointly announced by the Ministry of Energy and the Board of Investment (BoI), invites both local and international stakeholders to submit proposals for large-scale green energy developments. These include manufacturing facilities, export terminals, storage infrastructure, and component production linked to the emerging hydrogen economy.
According to the BoI, the request for information (RFI) process is aligned with Sri Lanka’s National Hydrogen Roadmap (2023), which outlines a long-term vision to leverage the country’s renewable energy resources. With identified offshore wind and solar potential, Sri Lanka aims to establish itself as a competitive player in the global green fuel market, particularly in Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia production.
“This RFI invites qualified local and international investors, developers, and operators to submit project concepts for Green Hydrogen/Ammonia manufacturing, export terminals, storage facilities, and component manufacturing,” the BoI said in its statement. The move reflects a broader effort to attract foreign direct investment into the energy sector while supporting the country’s transition to sustainable energy systems.
Sri Lanka’s energy policy targets remain ambitious. Authorities aim to generate 70 percent of electricity from renewable sources by 2030, while achieving full carbon neutrality in power generation by 2050. The development of Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia projects is expected to play a central role in meeting these goals, particularly by enabling energy storage, grid stability, and export diversification.
In addition to domestic energy transformation, the government has outlined plans to generate up to one billion US dollars annually from green energy exports by 2030. Industry analysts note that global demand for low-carbon fuels is rising rapidly, particularly in sectors such as shipping, heavy industry, and power generation, creating new opportunities for emerging producers.
Sri Lanka calls for RFIs at a time when countries across Asia and beyond are accelerating investments in hydrogen technologies. The island’s geographic location, coupled with access to maritime routes, enhances its potential to serve as a supply hub for regional energy markets. Ports and logistics infrastructure will likely be critical components of any future hydrogen export strategy.
The RFI process, with submissions due by June 5, 2026, is expected to gauge investor interest and technical feasibility. It will also help authorities refine regulatory frameworks, identify infrastructure requirements, and assess potential partnerships. The government’s approach suggests a phased development strategy, beginning with feasibility and pilot projects before scaling up to commercial operations.
The initiative also aligns with earlier policy direction. In 2023, then President Ranil Wickremesinghe highlighted the importance of developing the Northern and Eastern regions through renewable energy investments, including the production of Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia using advanced technologies. These regions are considered particularly suitable due to their high solar irradiation and wind energy potential.
From a technological perspective, Green Hydrogen is produced through electrolysis using renewable energy sources, making it a zero-carbon fuel alternative. It is increasingly viewed as a key solution for decarbonizing sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as maritime transport. Notably, green hydrogen is being explored as a future marine fuel that could replace conventional fossil-based bunkers.
Green Ammonia, derived from green hydrogen by combining it with nitrogen extracted from the air, offers additional advantages in terms of storage and transport. It is already being considered as an alternative fuel for shipping and as a medium for hydrogen transport across long distances. The development of ammonia-based fuel systems could therefore complement Sri Lanka’s ambitions in the global energy transition.
Sri Lanka calls for RFIs as part of a broader economic strategy to diversify exports, enhance energy security, and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. However, successful implementation will depend on several factors, including regulatory clarity, investment incentives, infrastructure readiness, and global market conditions.
Market participants emphasize that while the opportunity is significant, the sector remains capital-intensive and technologically complex. As such, strong public-private partnerships and international collaboration will be essential to translate policy intent into operational projects.
Overall, Sri Lanka calls for RFIs marks a decisive step toward integrating the country into the global green energy value chain. If executed effectively, the initiative could unlock new revenue streams, support sustainable development, and strengthen Sri Lanka’s position in the evolving clean energy landscape.