In September 2015, JCJ sent technical expert Stephen Bygrave, CEO of Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE), to Sri Lanka to engage with environmentalists, NGOs, government officials, industry leaders, and youth activists, aiming to support the country’s transition to 100% renewable energy. Drawing on BZE’s extensive research in Australia, which outlines a technically feasible no-coal pathway to full renewables, Stephen shared insights and strategies to demonstrate how such a transition could be achieved in Sri Lanka.
During his visit, Stephen participated in key events, including a forum organized by the Chamber of Commerce attended by 67 representatives from business and government agencies such as the Climate Change Secretariat. He also took part in Kolomba Yathra, a youth-led march and gathering organised by ECO-V, whose past initiatives have been supported by JCJ. In addition to addressing a large conference of over 300 attendees, Stephen held one-on-one meetings with high-level figures, including the Minister for Megapolis and Western Development (formerly the Energy Minister), and Dr. A.T. Ariyaratne, the founder of Sarvodaya—Sri Lanka’s largest NGO.
Stephen noted the strong sense of collaboration among NGOs, openness from government stakeholders, and the positive energy from all involved. He emphasized that he gained as much from the experience as he shared, particularly in light of Sri Lanka’s own commitment to achieving 100% renewables.
The visit received significant media coverage from outlets such as the Daily Mirror Financial Times, Ceylon Today Financial Times, and Ceylon Daily News, helping to bring national attention to the vision of a renewable-powered future for Sri Lanka.
