SriLanka, May 30 -- The first shipment of commercial-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) arrived at the Port of Colombo today.

The shipment consists of six battery storage units and is part of a larger programme to introduce 16 such systems with a combined capacity of 160 megawatts (MW) to the national electricity network. The project was initiated following an international competitive procurement process launched in July 2025.

According to the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation, the six units will be installed near major transmission substations in Mahawa, Vavuniya, Chunnakam, Kilinochchi, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.

The battery systems are designed to store excess electricity generated during daytime hours, particularly ...