Cape town: The 10 MW/40 MWh Battery Energy Storage System constructed in Anuradhapura has been successfully connected to the national electricity grid. This significant development took place under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, marking a pivotal step in boosting the country’s renewable energy capacity.
According to News.LK, the energy storage system was installed with the contribution of Storex (Private) Limited. The initiative aims to enhance the stability of the electricity system by integrating renewable energy into the national grid. The advanced technology of battery energy storage systems allows for the storage of excess solar power generated during the day, which can then be released during periods of peak electricity demand at night.
Storex (Private) Limited is spearheading a larger project that involves the installation of 13 energy storage systems with a total capacity of 130 MW/520 MWh. The Anuradhapura system is the first to be connected to the grid, with the remaining systems scheduled for completion within the next two to three months.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also took the opportunity to inspect the battery storage site and unveiled a commemorative plaque. As part of the project, he symbolically presented a printer to Thammennapura College and awarded 10 scholarships to students preparing for the G.C.E. Ordinary Level exams in Mathematics and Science.
Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation and Energy Anura Karunathilake addressed the gathering, highlighting the government’s objectives of increasing renewable energy use, generating clean electricity, and providing affordable electricity through lower generation costs. Minister Karunathilake emphasized the transformative phase currently underway in Sri Lanka’s energy sector.
The country currently generates nearly 3,000 MW of solar power during the day, with an average daytime electricity demand of around 2,800 MW. However, nighttime demand increases to approximately 3,100 MW, necessitating solutions for storing excess solar power. Projects with a total capacity of 160 MW are being implemented to address this challenge, with WINDFORCE responsible for 130 MW of this capacity.
Sri Lanka has also begun soliciting bids for additional battery storage projects with capacities of 400 MW, 250 MW, and 150 MW, among others. These projects are expected to be integrated into the national grid by 2027, potentially within the first half of the year.
The event was attended by several notable figures, including Members of Parliament Kumara Jayakody, Professor Sena Nanayakkara, and Bhagya Sri Herath. Also present were representatives of local authorities, government officials, and key stakeholders from the energy sector.