Sri Lanka has received the second shipment of its Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to strengthen grid stability and expand the use of renewable energy.

Deputy Minister of Power Arkam Ilyas said a 60MW battery storage system was unloaded at the Port of Colombo on Friday night. Combined with a previously delivered 20MW system, a total of 80MW of the planned 160MW capacity has now arrived in the country.

The project will involve the development of 16 battery energy storage facilities, each with a capacity of 10MW and 40MWh.

The systems are to be installed at substations in Kilinochchi, Vavuniya, Polonnaruwa, Valachchenai, Ampara, Vavunathivu, Monaragala, Mahiyanganaya, Chunnakam, Beliatta, Galle, Puttalam, Hambantota, Old Anuradhapura, Mahawa and Norochcholai.

According to the Deputy Minister, the storage systems will help capture excess electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar power during the day and release it when demand rises, particularly at night.

The Government says the project will improve grid stability by supporting voltage and frequency control, provide backup power during outages, reduce dependence on costly diesel-based generation and minimise renewable energy wastage.

Arkam Ilyas said electricity generated using diesel currently costs around Rs. 115 per unit, while energy supplied through the battery storage system is estimated to cost about Rs. 35 per unit.

He added that the project will support Sri Lanka’s target of generating 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and contribute to efforts to reduce electricity costs for consumers.

The Government has also planned additional battery storage projects, including a 100MW BESS facility in Kolonnawa and separate 250MW and 50MW projects currently under evaluation. (Newswire)

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