Author : Colin Harischandra
Colombo – The government of Sri Lanka has announced several short-term and long-term steps to keep the country’s electricity system stable as more renewable power is added to the grid.
The announcement was made in Parliament in reply to a question from MP Kavinda Jayawardena. Officials said the measures are meant to tackle both day-to-day challenges and future energy needs.
In the short term, rooftop solar systems are being updated so they remain steady during sudden changes in power supply. Solar producers are also being encouraged to use more energy on-site instead of sending all of it to the grid.
Hydro and thermal power plants are being run in special modes to support grid balance. The national control centre now has authority to reduce or stop solar and wind supply during low-demand periods such as Sundays. A time-based tariff has also been introduced to bring battery storage into the system.
Other measures include updating technical rules, improving safety at the Lakvijaya Power Plant, and asking small private generators to pause production when required.
Looking ahead, the government has identified Maha Oya as the site for a major Pump Storage Power Plant. Two large battery plants – 100 MW and 160 MW – are also planned for 2026 and 2027 with support from the Asian Development Bank.
Plans are under way to set up a new Renewable Energy Control Unit, add modern equipment to strengthen the transmission system, expand smart meter functions, and create a control centre for real-time monitoring of renewable sources.
Officials said these steps will make the grid more secure and flexible, helping Sri Lanka maintain a steady power supply while moving towards more clean energy.
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