🇱🇰 Sri Lanka Connects First 10 MW BESS to National Grid

⭕ 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka connected its first 10 MW Battery Energy Storage System, or BESS, to the national electricity grid through the Galle Grid Substation at midnight on Sept. 11.

⭕ BESS means Battery Energy Storage System. It stores electricity in batteries when power is available and releases, or discharges, that electricity back to the grid when needed.

⭕ The systems can store excess electricity generated from solar power during the daytime and release it to the national grid at night when demand rises.

⭕ BESS can reduce the need for costly diesel generation. Deputy Power Minister Arkam Ilyas said diesel power costs about Rs. 115 per unit, compared with an estimated Rs. 35 per unit through battery storage.

⭕ Each BESS project is designed for 10 MW of power output and 40 MWh of energy storage, allowing stored electricity to support evening peak demand.

⭕ Another 150 MW under the same project is expected to be connected to the national grid within the next two months, according to former Energy Minister and NPP MP Kumara Jayakody.

⭕ A further 250 MW of battery storage is planned for early next year, followed by another 150 MW during the first half of the year.

⭕ If the announced additions proceed as stated, total battery storage capacity would reach 560 MW.

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