The government will introduce energy storage systems to maximise the use of renewable energy as Sri Lanka moves toward its target of generating 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said in Parliament on Wednesday (10).
Responding to a question raised by MP Asitha Niroshana Egoda Vithana, the prime minister said plans are already in place and are being implemented to achieve the country’s renewable energy goals.
She said the Renewable Energy Development Plan of the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority for 2025-2030 outlines measures to integrate larger volumes of renewable energy into the national grid through various procurement mechanisms and the long-term generation expansion plan.
According to the prime minister, the plan includes the addition of 1,264 megawatts (MW) of wind power capacity and 2,071 MW of solar power capacity.
She said the government is also expanding the national electricity transmission and distribution network to facilitate the integration of renewable energy projects into the grid.
As part of these efforts, energy storage systems will be introduced to improve the absorption, storage and utilisation of renewable energy, helping to address challenges associated with the intermittent nature of solar and wind power generation.
The prime minister further said studies are underway to increase the installed capacity of the country’s existing hydropower plants as part of broader efforts to strengthen the renewable energy sector. (Newswire)