HayWind One Limited, the wind energy division of Hayleys Fentons Limited, has achieved a significant advancement in the construction of its 50MW Mannar Wind Farm, as the installation of wind turbines has commenced. The first two 5MW turbines have been successfully erected, marking a crucial step in the ongoing installation of all ten turbines in this large-scale project.
Each wind turbine boasts an impressive height of about 186.5 metres when fully assembled. The design features a 110-metre tower constructed in four segments, anchored to a robust concrete foundation that is enhanced with piles, an anchor cage, foundation bolts, and a layer of high-strength grout. The nacelle, which is located at the top of the tower, contains essential components such as the main bearing, drive shaft, gearbox, generator, and an active yaw system that aligns the rotor with the wind. The rotor itself is equipped with three blades measuring 76.5 metres each. To withstand the coastal environment in Mannar, all components of the turbines are treated with specialized marine-grade anti-corrosion coatings and equipped with advanced filtration systems.
The installation process involves a powerful 900-tonne crawler crane, the largest ever used for a wind energy project in Sri Lanka. This crane has been provided by Hayleys Advantis Limited in collaboration with Sarans India. Before deploying the crane, engineering teams conducted comprehensive ground stabilization efforts, which included preparing an aggregate base course, compacting the soil, and performing rigorous load-bearing tests to ensure the safety of the platform.
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Hasith Prematillake, Managing Director of Hayleys Fentons Limited, commented, “The successful erection of our initial turbines in Mannar marks a pivotal moment for HayWind and demonstrates our engineering capabilities. The scale of this installation demands careful planning, effective cross-functional collaboration, and high-level technical skills. With the first turbines in place, we have created strong momentum to complete the remaining units.”
Roshane Perera, Deputy Managing Director – Energy of Hayleys Fentons Limited, emphasized, “The erection of turbines at this magnitude requires stringent safety standards, technical expertise, and disciplined execution. Our engineers, site supervisors, and technical teams are certified by the Global Wind Organisation (GWO), ensuring that all operations conform to internationally recognized standards for wind energy construction.”
Prashantha Amarasinghe, Chief Operating Officer of HayWind One Limited, stated, “Every lift is performed under dynamic ground and weather conditions, adhering strictly to OEM specifications that restrict operations to wind speeds of 9.8 metres per second or less. We validate ground stability and wind profiles prior to each lift. Heavy-duty taglines are employed for lateral control during hoisting, along with real-time visual wind indicators to ensure precision.”
Once completed, the Mannar Wind Farm will feature ten 5MW turbines, collectively generating a total capacity of 50MW. The facility is expected to produce around 207 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity annually for the national grid, supported by a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). This development is projected to save Sri Lanka approximately LKR 100 billion in foreign exchange by reducing reliance on fossil fuel imports throughout its operational lifespan.
As turbine installation progresses rapidly on-site, HayWind One is on track for commissioning and connecting to the grid by December 2026, representing a significant leap forward in Sri Lanka’s transition to clean energy.
The heavy lifting operations are ongoing as the nacelle is positioned atop the tower at the Mannar site.
A fully constructed 5MW HayWind turbine stands prominently against the Mannar coastline as the project moves closer to full commissioning.
