Seven Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), procured under a government program to enhance grid stability and ease pressure on electricity consumers, arrived at the Colombo Port yesterday (June 25) evening.The systems are to be installed at substations in Panadura, Beliatta, Hambantota, Ampara, Vavunathivu, Valachchenai and Mahiyanganaya.

Once operational, they will provide a combined storage capacity of 280MWh and are expected to supply up to 70MW daily to the national grid.WindForce PLC, selected through an international competitive bidding process, is carrying out the installations and is also working on six additional storage sites under the same project.Meanwhile, eight earlier BESS units imported in June are currently being installed at selected substations, and are expected to be completed by the end of July. Upon full deployment, the project is expected to add around 80MW to the national gridThe National System Operator (PVT) Ltd, operating under the Ministry of Power and Energy, will oversee system control and operations, while maintenance will be handled by the respective suppliers.