Sri Lanka Opens First Battery Energy Storage System And Floating Solar Plant

Sri Lanka has marked a major milestone in its renewable energy sector with the opening of the country’s first Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Anuradhapura and the “Diyajanani” floating solar power system at Ibbankatuwa Lake in Dambulla.

The first BESS, aimed at strengthening renewable energy capacity and improving the stability of the national electricity system, was inaugurated in Anuradhapura on Friday (18) under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka also participated in the event.

The “Diyajanani” floating solar system, constructed on the Ibbankatuwa Reservoir, was also scheduled to be opened on Friday afternoon under the patronage of the President and with the participation of Minister Karunathilaka. The project forms part of the Government’s national programme to expand electricity generation through renewable energy.

Battery energy storage can help address the intermittent nature of renewable sources such as solar and wind by storing surplus electricity and making it available when required. Sri Lanka’s Sustainable Energy Authority identifies energy storage as an important technology for supporting greater integration of renewable energy into the electricity system.

The two projects represent steps in Sri Lanka’s ongoing expansion of renewable energy and efforts to strengthen the reliability and flexibility of the national electricity system.