Sri Lanka expands renewable energy via solar and battery storage

Sri Lanka is advancing its renewable energy transition through large-scale solar development and new energy storage capabilities. The government plans to connect commercial-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to the national electricity grid in early September. These systems, located near various transmission substations, are designed to store surplus solar energy generated during the day for use at night, aiming to improve grid stability and reduce reliance on diesel-powered plants.

However, the expansion faces environmental scrutiny in the Hambantota district. Plans to develop 17 solar energy projects in the region have raised concerns among conservationists regarding the loss of native scrubland ecosystems. Experts warn that clearing these areas could threaten the habitat of the Indian peafowl, an iconic species in Sri Lanka. Advocates are calling for transparent environmental impact assessments and the exploration of alternative sites, such as degraded land or rooftop installations, to balance clean energy goals with biodiversity protection.