Sri Lanka to Introduce 1,200MW Battery Energy Storage System to Support Renewable Energy
Sri Lanka plans to establish a 1,200-megawatt Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) within the next two years to address high electricity demand during peak night-time hours, Energy Minister Anura Karunatilaka told Parliament.
The initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen the national electricity grid while accelerating the transition towards renewable energy sources.
Rapid Growth in Rooftop Solar Power
Minister Karunatilaka said Sri Lanka has recorded significant growth in rooftop solar power generation over the past year.
According to the Minister, installed rooftop solar capacity increased from 867 megawatts in 2024 to more than 1,674 megawatts in 2025, marking nearly a doubling of capacity within a single year.
He noted that while solar energy has become an increasingly important part of Sri Lanka’s renewable energy sector, maintaining stability within the national grid remains a major challenge.
Need for Energy Storage Solutions
The Minister explained that a power system cannot depend entirely on solar energy, as electricity generation from solar sources is limited to daylight hours.
He said the electricity sector requires adequate balancing mechanisms and system stability measures to maintain reliable power supply as renewable energy capacity expands.
To address this challenge, the government is exploring solutions including Battery Energy Storage Systems and support from hydropower facilities to improve grid stability.
560MW Battery Storage by Next Year
Minister Karunatilaka revealed that an additional 560 megawatts of battery storage capacity is expected to be connected to the national grid by the end of next year.
The long-term target is to establish a total battery storage capacity of 1,200 megawatts within two years.
The stored energy will allow excess electricity generated from renewable sources during the day to be used during periods of high demand, particularly at night.
According to the Minister, the battery storage system will be capable of supplying stored power for approximately four hours daily during peak demand periods.
The government expects the project to play a key role in improving grid reliability and supporting Sri Lanka’s shift towards cleaner energy sources.
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