MAS Holdings has completed the second phase of Project Photon, a roof-mounted photovoltaic (PV) solar power endeavour. This project, initiated in 2017, has propelled MAS Holdings to the forefront of Sri Lanka’s renewable energy sector, establishing it as the country’s largest provider of roof-mounted solar energy.
Before Project Photon, MAS Holdings had a modest solar capacity of 1.7 MW scattered across various locations. Committed to accelerating the transition to renewable energy, Project Photon was launched, adding 16 MW of solar power across 18 locations.
With the completion of Phase II, an additional 6 MW has been added, bringing MAS’ total solar generation capacity to an impressive 23.7 MW. This achievement shatters the previous national record for solar power generation, cementing MAS as a transformative force in Sri Lanka’s renewable energy landscape.
This solar capacity generated by 67,000 solar panels will result in annual savings of approximately 18,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) and covers an area equivalent to 10 cricket grounds, with the ability to power roughly 34,000 households.
Project Photon has also set a national benchmark for solar generation roof rentals, which has been adopted by most roof-mounted solar investors in the country.
Phase I of the project represented a groundbreaking multi-site initiative, with an initial investment of US $ 12.7 million. In Phase II, MAS has invested a total of US $ 16 million. Project Photon now boasts its own experienced solar engineering teams capable of tackling renewable energy projects of any scale worldwide.
The most recent solar installation for Photon Phase II was at the 165-acre MAS Fabric Park (MFP) in Thulhiriya, Sri Lanka’s first privately owned Export Processing Zone. Expanding to 7 MW, it is Sri Lanka’s largest rooftop installation under one Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) account. The project will reduce the park’s electricity requirements by around 20 per cent. This eco-friendly industrial park, employing 12,000 people, is known for its environmental practices, including a 10-acre analogue forest and waste upcycling plants on-site.
Project Photon arrives at a crucial moment for Sri Lanka, which is grappling with an economic and energy crisis due to heavy dependence on fossil fuels. With investments like Project Photon, South Asia’s largest apparel manufacturer, MAS, reports to be on a journey to achieve its Science Based Targets initiatives (SBTi), aiming to positively impact the apparel and textile industry, the country and the planet.
