Sri Lanka has become the first country in South Asia to introduce a solar hybrid bakery oven powered by both solar and biogas energy, marking a significant milestone in clean energy innovation and sustainable livelihood development.
The oven was officially unveiled at an event held at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo on May 22. The programme was organised by Incitare International and the Global Rethinking Finance Collaborative (GRFC) in collaboration with German Tech Kilinochchi.
The initiative introduces European clean-energy baking technology to Sri Lanka, replacing traditional fossil fuel-based baking methods with renewable energy alternatives while supporting sustainable livelihoods and several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Founder and CEO of Incitare International and GRFC, Beris Gwynne, said the hybrid solar oven has strong potential for use in communities, bakeries, eco-tourism establishments and vocational training institutions.
She noted that the initiative could contribute to reducing carbon emissions, lowering dependence on imported fuel and creating opportunities for a future export-oriented industry.
Country Director for Sri Lanka at Incitare International, Cheryl Arndt, stated that the project reflects years of collaboration among communities, institutions and development partners.
“Sri Lanka has not just adopted a new technology. It has demonstrated that sustainable livelihoods and clean energy are not aspirations for tomorrow. They are happening right here, right now,” she said.
The programme began in March 2025 following stakeholder discussions held with government institutions, which later led to partnerships aimed at expanding solar oven technology and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Fabio Germano, Representative of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) Sri Lanka, said the initiative demonstrated successful cooperation between development agencies and vocational training institutions.
The event was also attended by His Excellency Olivier Praz, who pointed out that solar energy currently accounts for less than 12% of Sri Lanka’s energy mix.
He also highlighted ongoing challenges facing Sri Lanka’s energy sector, including global fuel supply disruptions, poor-quality coal imports and reduced hydropower generation caused by insufficient rainfall.
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