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Sri Lanka Floats Tender for 160 MW/640 MWh Standalone Battery Energy Storage Systems

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has invited international competitive bids for the development of 160 MW/640 MWh standalone Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) across Sri Lanka. The tender, structured as 16 separate grid-connected projects of 10 MW/40 MWh AC each, will connect at 33 kV to substations in locations including Kilinochchi, Vavuniya, Polonnaruwa, Galle, Hambantota, and others. Bidders must submit proposals by September 10, 2025, along with a bid security of LKR 25 million (~Rs 83,333)/10MW project and a bid document fee of LKR 150,000 (~Rs 500). Successful bidders must provide a performance security of LKR 108 million (~Rs 360,000)/10MW project, with projects awarded a 15-year energy storage agreement based on a flat capacity charge rate in LKR/MW/month.

The scope of work covers grid interconnection infrastructure, transformers, protection, metering systems, and statutory clearances, with two interconnection options available. Technical compliance is stringent, requiring adherence to IEC and ISO standards, grid code requirements for frequency response, voltage control, and low voltage ride-through, as well as a minimum 85% round-trip efficiency. A liquidated damages clause enforces system availability of 97%, with penalties for underperformance, while inefficiency penalties apply if conversion losses exceed the benchmark.

This tender marks Sri Lanka’s continued push toward clean energy transition, following its earlier expression of interest in two 100 MW floating solar projects at the Samanalawewa reservoir in 2023. The initiative highlights the growing role of energy storage in strengthening grid reliability, managing renewable intermittency, and ensuring long-term energy security.