Cabinet approves tenders for 160 MW/640 MWh national battery storage project

In a significant step towards strengthening the country’s electricity system, Cabinet this week approved awarding tenders for the installation of a 160 MW/640 MWh battery energy storage system, Energy Ministry said.

Approval follows a Cabinet Memorandum submitted by Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody, outlining plans to store electricity generated from solar power, a move aimed at overcoming a key challenge concerning the national power grid.

Under  government’s programme, 10 MW/40 MWh independent battery storage systems will be installed at 16 electricity substations across the country, totalling 160 MW/640 MWh. 

Tenders for the project were initially called on 30 July 2025, with opening scheduled for 16 September 2025. The deadline was later extended to 14 October 2025, attracting 153 bids for  16 grid substations.

Following evaluations by independent tender committees based on technical and other required specifications, Cabinet gave its nod for the awards, ensuring compliance with procurement procedures. The project will be implemented as a Build, Own, and Operate (BOO) method, as decided at the Cabinet meeting on 28 April 2025.

The move is expected to enhance grid stability and support  integration of renewable energy into the national electricity system. (By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama)