May 31, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has reached a significant milestone in its energy transition with the arrival of the country’s first large-scale battery energy storage units at the Port of Colombo, paving the way for a more resilient and efficient electricity network.
The newly arrived consignment comprises six advanced Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) units, forming the initial phase of a nationwide project aimed at strengthening grid reliability and enhancing the integration of renewable energy sources. The wider initiative will see a total of 16 battery storage facilities deployed across the island, providing a combined capacity of 160 megawatts.
Government officials noted that the project emerged from an international tender process launched last year as part of broader efforts to modernise Sri Lanka’s electricity infrastructure and reduce dependence on conventional power generation during peak demand periods.
The first six battery units are scheduled for installation near key transmission hubs in Mahawa, Vavuniya, Chunnakam, Kilinochchi, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Once operational, the facilities will play a crucial role in balancing electricity supply and demand, particularly as the country expands its renewable energy portfolio.
Designed to capture surplus electricity generated during periods of strong solar output, the battery systems will store energy that can later be fed back into the grid when demand rises, especially during evening hours. Each installation will be capable of storing up to 40 megawatt-hours of energy while delivering up to 10 megawatts of power when required.
Collectively, the six systems will contribute 60 megawatts of readily available electricity, helping to ease pressure on the national grid and improve overall system stability during high-consumption periods.
The systems are expected to support the country’s long-term renewable energy ambitions while reducing the risk of supply fluctuations associated with variable sources such as solar power.
The facilities will be operated by National System Operator Ltd. under the supervision of the Ministry of Energy, while technical servicing and maintenance will be handled by the companies responsible for supplying and installing the equipment.
