Sri Lanka Renewable Energy
Renewable energy consumption as % of total EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS
Sri Lanka's renewable energy was 48.80% in 2021, ranked 50th globally. This represents a 1.0% decrease from 2020. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2021.
Overview
Sri Lanka's renewable energy stood at 48.80% in 2021, a decline of +0.50% from 2020. Sri Lanka ranked 50th globally.
Sri Lanka’s share of renewable energy in total final energy consumption stood at 48.80% in 2021, ranking 50th globally, according to World Bank data. This marks a notable decline from its all-time peak of 78.10% in 1990, the earliest recorded year, reflecting a sustained reduction in the country’s reliance on renewables over three decades. The lowest point was reached in 2016, when the share dipped to 45.10%, indicating a prolonged shift toward non-renewable sources. While recent years have seen a slight rebound from that trough, the 2021 figure remains substantially below early levels. Compared to peer countries, Sri Lanka’s renewable share is closely aligned with The Gambia at 48.60% and slightly behind Finland’s 50.20%, suggesting similar structural energy challenges despite differing geographies. The decline since 1990 contrasts with global trends favoring renewable expansion, likely influenced by increased fossil fuel use for power generation and transport. A reversal in this trajectory would require stronger policy commitment, investment in hydro, solar, and wind infrastructure, and measures to reduce dependence on imported oil and coal.
Data & projection
| Year | Renewable Energy | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 48.80% | −0.50% | #50 |
| 2020 | 49.30% | +3.20% | #51 |
| 2019 | 46.10% | −1.80% | #53 |
| 2018 | 47.90% | +2.10% | #51 |
| 2017 | 45.80% | +0.70% | #50 |
| 2016 | 45.10% | −6.20% | #55 |
| 2015 | 51.30% | −2.90% | #46 |
| 2014 | 54.20% | −2.70% | #45 |
| 2013 | 56.90% | +4.00% | #43 |
| 2012 | 52.90% | −3.50% | #47 |
| 2011 | 56.40% | −5.50% | #42 |
| 2010 | 61.90% | −1.60% | #39 |
| 2009 | 63.50% | +1.90% | #38 |
| 2008 | 61.60% | +1.40% | #40 |
| 2007 | 60.20% | −2.00% | #41 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Sri Lanka matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw renewable energy improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Sri Lanka's renewable energy was 48.80% in 2021. Ranked 50th globally. This represents a 1.0% decrease from the previous year.
Sri Lanka's renewable energy peaked at 78.10% in 1990.
The lowest renewable energy in Sri Lanka was 45.10% in 2016.
Sri Lanka ranks 50th globally in renewable energy as of 2021.
The World Bank indicator code is EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
The renewable energy of Sri Lanka in 2021 was 48.80%. This ranks 50th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_sri-lanka_renewable-energy,
title = {Sri Lanka Renewable Energy},
url = {https://historysaid.com/sri-lanka/renewable-energy/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}