Energy storage systems to be introduced to optimise renewable power use: PM

Colombo, June 10 (Daily Mirror) - The government plans to introduce energy storage systems to ensure the optimal utilisation of renewable energy in Sri Lanka’s power sector, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament.

She made the remarks today while responding to a question raised by MP Asitha Niroshana Egodavithana, noting that a target has been set to generate 70% of the country’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030, with related plans currently being developed and implemented.

The Prime Minister said the strategy is aligned with the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority’s 2025/2030 Renewable Development Plan, which includes mechanisms to integrate higher volumes of renewable energy into the national grid. This will be supported through various procurement methods and long-term generation planning covering 1,264 MW of wind power and 2,071 MW of solar power.

She further said that work is underway to expand the transmission and distribution network to accommodate increased renewable capacity, while energy storage systems will play a key role in stabilising and optimising supply.

In addition, studies are being carried out to enhance the capacity of existing hydropower plants as part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s renewable energy infrastructure.