Impact study of the wind power project: Case study of Vallibel Wind Farm Rathnapura district

Abstract

This research provides a detailed assessment of the Vallibel Wind Farm (VWF) project in Ratnapura, Sri Lanka, and evaluates its various impacts on social development, the environment, and the economy. The research seeks to overcome current gaps in understanding the project's impact on local communities' socio-economic and environmental issues, focusing on the larger context of sustainable energy. As part of Sri Lanka's renewable energy ambitions, the VWF project calls for in-depth research to inform policymakers, stakeholders, and the public, providing both potential and issues. This research aims to fulfil the main objective of analyzing the socio economic and environmental impacts of the VWF project in Ratnapura district. Specific objectives include examining the environmental consequences, economic benefits, and social consequences of wind farms in the region. The study strategy is exploratory and uses qualitative data collection methods, mainly interviews, to obtain rich information regarding the project's impact. Thematic analysis is applied to data analysis, providing a comprehensive knowledge of socio-economic and environmental aspects. The findings emphasize the need to recognize energy development projects' direct and indirect implications, underscoring the relevance of global efforts such as the VWF. This research helps make informed decisions by understanding the positive and negative impacts influencing future sustainable development efforts in Ratnapura district and beyond. The value of the study lies in its contribution to understanding the cultural, economic, and environmental implications of the VWF initiative