Components Imported For the Country's First Commercial-Scale National Energy Project

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Ministry of Power and Energy says components for a 20-megawatt battery storage system has been imported. 

The components were imported as part of the planned 160-megawatt capacity storage system in the country. 

This is the country’s first commercial-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project.

The national project is being implemented with an investment of 40 Billion Rupees.

The Ministry stated that the initiative is aimed at building a stable, efficient, and modern electricity system based on renewable energy.

Under the first phase of the project, battery storage systems are to be installed near key grid substations islandwide, with the Galle and Matara substations set to function as connection points.

The technology will enable excess electricity generated through solar power to be stored and used during periods of high demand at night.

The project is also expected to reduce the use of fossil fuels while improving the stability and reliability of the national power grid.

At present, solar power systems contribute nearly 9.4 percent of the country’s total electricity generation.

Officials expect that contribution to increase further with the introduction of the battery storage systems.

The Ministry of Energy added that the remaining 140 megawatts of battery system components are scheduled to arrive in the country within the coming week.