HayWind One Limited, the wind energy arm of Hayleys Fentons Limited, has reached a significant stage in the development of its 50MW Mannar Wind Farm, with turbine erection now underway and the first two 5MW turbines successfully installed.
The achievement marks the beginning of the continuous installation of all 10 turbines planned for the utility-scale renewable energy project.
Each completed turbine will reach a tip height of around 186.5 metres. The structure includes a 110-metre tower built in four sections and secured to a reinforced concrete foundation supported by piles, an anchor cage, foundation bolts and a high-strength grout layer.
The nacelle installed at the top of the tower houses key components including the main bearing, drive shaft, gearbox, generator and active yaw system, which helps keep the rotor positioned according to wind direction. The nacelle is connected to a hub carrying three rotor blades, each measuring 76.5 metres in length.
The turbines have been specifically equipped to withstand Mannar’s coastal environment. Components feature marine-grade anti-corrosion coatings and filtration systems designed to provide protection under challenging coastal conditions.
The turbine erection process involves a 900-tonne crawler crane, described as the largest crane ever deployed for a wind energy project in Sri Lanka. The equipment has been supplied by Hayleys Advantis Limited in collaboration with Sarans India.
Before the heavy lifting operations began, engineering teams carried out extensive ground preparation and stabilisation work. This included aggregate base course preparation, soil compaction and detailed load-bearing tests to confirm that the crane platforms could safely support the demanding lifting operations.
Hayleys Fentons Managing Director Hasith Prematillake described the erection of the first turbines as an important milestone for HayWind, highlighting the extensive planning, coordination and technical expertise required to execute the project.
Hayleys Fentons Deputy Managing Director, Energy, Roshane Perera, also emphasised the importance of safety and technical standards during turbine installation. Engineers, site supervisors and technical crews involved in the project are certified by the Global Wind Organisation, supporting adherence to internationally recognised wind energy construction and safety practices.
According to HayWind One Chief Operating Officer Prashantha Amarasinghe, every lifting operation is carefully planned around ground and atmospheric conditions. Lifting activities are restricted to wind speeds of 9.8 metres per second or lower in line with original equipment manufacturer requirements.
Ground stability and wind conditions are assessed before each lift, while heavy-duty taglines are used to control the movement of turbine sections during hoisting. Real-time visual wind indicators are also used to support accurate positioning throughout the installation process.
Once completed, the Mannar Wind Farm will feature 10 wind turbines, each with a generation capacity of 5MW, providing a combined installed capacity of 50MW.
The project is expected to generate approximately 207 million kilowatt-hours of renewable electricity each year for the national grid. Under a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement, the wind farm is projected to contribute to significant savings in foreign exchange expenditure on fossil fuel imports, estimated at around Rs.100 billion over its operational lifetime.
With turbine installation progressing across the site, HayWind One is targeting commissioning and grid energisation by December 2026. The project represents another major development in Sri Lanka’s efforts to expand renewable energy generation and strengthen its clean energy capacity.
A fully assembled 5MW HayWind turbine stands tall against Mannar coastline as the project advances toward full commissioning
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