Transitioning Sri Lanka’s transport sector from petroleum to renewable energy: a comparative evaluation of solar and wind-powered electric mobility

Abstract

The transportation sector plays a major role in economic and social development but remains a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions due to its reliance on petroleum-based fuels. In Sri Lanka, as in many developing nations, the transport system depends heavily on diesel and petrol, leading to high carbon footprints, energy insecurity, and worsening air pollution [1], [2]. Between 2000 and 2014, vehicle registrations increased from 1.69 million to 5.61 million (see Figure 1), primarily due to the rapid growth of three-wheelers and two-wheelers, indicating a clear shift from public to private transport and a corresponding rise in fuel consumption and emissions [3], [4].