Sri Lanka has become the first country in South Asia to introduce a solar-hybrid bakery oven powered by both solar and biogas energy, in what developers describe as a milestone for clean-energy innovation and sustainable livelihoods.
The oven was unveiled at an event at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo on May 22, organised by Incitare International and the Global Rethinking Finance Collaborative (GRFC) in collaboration with German Tech Kilinochchi. The initiative brings European clean-energy baking technology to Sri Lanka, replacing fossil-fuel-based methods with renewable alternatives while supporting several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Beris Gwynne, Founder and CEO of Incitare International and GRFC, said the hybrid solar oven held “serious potential not only for communities, bakeries and eco-tourism establishments, but also for training institutions.” She said it could help reduce carbon emissions, lower import dependence and potentially create a new export-oriented industry.
Cheryl Arndt, Incitare International’s Country Director for Sri Lanka, said the project reflected 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 national-level stakeholder discussions that led to partnerships focused on expanding solar-oven technology, complementing the island’s broader push toward distributed renewable energy.
Source: Newswire.
