Sri Lanka invites global bids for 250 MW battery storage project

Sri Lanka has launched an international tender to develop a 250 MW/1,000 MWh Standalone Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), marking one of the country’s largest grid-scale energy storage projects to support its transition to renewable energy. The National System Operator (NSO), under the Ministry of Energy, has called for International Competitive Bids for the project, which will be developed on a Build, Own and Operate (BOO) basis. The project will comprise 10 MW/40 MWh battery storage units at 25 grid substations across the island, including Ambalangoda, Ampara, Bolawatta, Chunnakam, Hambantota, Kurunegala, Matara, Galle and Monaragala. Successful bidders will enter into a 15-year Energy Storage Agreement with the NSO and will be responsible for designing, financing, constructing, operating and maintaining the facilities, while bearing the cost of grid interconnection and obtaining all statutory and environmental approvals. Bids are due by 10.00 a.m. on August 14, 2026, while tender documents will be available until August 13. The project is expected to strengthen Sri Lanka’s electricity grid by enabling greater integration of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, while improving grid stability and reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels. The tender supports the government’s target of generating 70% of Sri Lanka’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and aligns with the country’s long-term goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Industry experts note that large-scale battery storage has become a key component of modern power systems worldwide and is increasingly viewed as an important factor in attracting foreign investment, particularly from manufacturers seeking access to reliable renewable energy. (Newswire)