Sri Lanka’s first commercial-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) has arrived in the country through the Colombo Port, marking a major milestone in efforts to strengthen national grid stability and expand renewable energy integration.
The government had called for international competitive tenders in July 2025 for battery storage projects with a combined capacity between 160MW and 640MW. Following the evaluation process, four companies were awarded projects covering 16 substation sites across the country.
Under the programme, Galilee BESS, a subsidiary of the WKV Hydro Group, has already commenced installation work at transmission substations in Galle and Matara using battery storage technology supplied by China’s Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd.
According to project timelines, the Galle facility is expected to be completed in July, while the Matara installation is scheduled for completion in August, after which both systems will be connected to the national grid.
The project is being implemented with the support of the National System Operator Ltd (NSO), operating under the Ministry of Energy.
Each site will be capable of storing 80MW of electricity during off-peak hours and releasing it during peak evening demand periods, helping reduce reliance on diesel-powered electricity generation.
Officials estimate the project could save nearly Rs. 200 million per month at current fuel prices while improving the reliability and stability of the national electricity supply.
Energy authorities say the introduction of BESS technology comes at a crucial time as Sri Lanka faces increasing pressure from climate-related challenges and volatile global fuel prices.
The project is also expected to support environmental goals by reducing carbon emissions and lowering air pollution linked to thermal power generation.
Globally, Battery Energy Storage Systems are already widely used in countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, and China, with Sri Lanka’s adoption of the technology seen as a major step toward a modern and sustainable energy sector.
