In a significant stride towards energy independence and sustainable industrial development, Sri Lanka has officially commissioned its first industrial-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) integrated with solar power. This landmark project, a collaborative venture between SLAM Power Solutions and Ceyring (Pvt) Ltd, was launched at the Ceyring manufacturing facility located in the Horana industrial zone. The initiative marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s transition towards a more resilient and green energy infrastructure.
The commissioning ceremony was a high-profile event that drew a wide array of influential stakeholders. Representatives from the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), the Electricity Distribution Lanka (EDL), the National System Operator (NSO), and the Board of Investment (BOI) were in attendance. They were joined by a distinguished group of industry leaders and academic experts, all gathered to witness the unveiling of a technology that is expected to serve as a blueprint for the future of Sri Lankan industry.
A Technological Leap for Local Industry
The newly installed system is a sophisticated piece of engineering designed to address some of the most pressing energy challenges faced by modern manufacturing. At its core, the installation features the BSLBATT ESS-GRID C241, an advanced battery setup with a substantial capacity of 125 kW / 241 kWh. This system does not operate in isolation; it is seamlessly integrated with an existing 100 kW rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) array.
The integration of solar power with large-scale battery storage allows for a level of energy management that was previously unattainable for most local firms. By pairing renewable generation with storage, Ceyring (Pvt) Ltd can now capture excess energy produced during the sunniest parts of the day and deploy it when it is most needed, rather than being entirely dependent on the immediate output of the solar panels or the stability of the national grid.
Three Pillars of Efficiency: Peak Shaving, Backup, and Smoothing
The BESS installation at Horana is intelligently optimised to provide three primary benefits that are crucial for industrial competitiveness:
- Industrial Peak Shaving: One of the most significant costs for any large-scale manufacturer is the demand charge associated with energy consumption during peak hours. In Sri Lanka, the night peak is particularly expensive. The BESS allows the factory to “shave” these peaks by using stored solar energy during high-tariff periods, significantly reducing monthly utility bills and lowering the overall cost of production.
- Grid-Failure Backup: For industries that rely on continuous production lines, even a momentary power outage can lead to substantial financial losses and damaged machinery. The SLAM Power Solutions system provides an instant, automated backup. In the event of a grid failure, the transition to battery power is so rapid that it eliminates production downtime, ensuring that operations remain uninterrupted.
- Renewable Maximisation and Smoothing: Solar energy is inherently intermittent; cloud cover can cause sudden drops in power output. This intermittency can be hard on industrial equipment and challenging for grid stability. The battery system acts as a buffer, “smoothing” out these fluctuations to provide a steady, reliable stream of power, which ultimately helps in preserving the lifespan of expensive factory machinery.
Supporting National Strategic Goals
The launch of this project is not merely a corporate achievement; it is a vital contribution to Sri Lanka’s broader national energy strategy. The government has set an ambitious target to achieve 70 per cent renewable energy in the national electricity mix. To reach this goal, the integration of smart grid technologies and storage solutions is essential.
As more industries adopt rooftop solar, the national grid faces new complexities in managing variable inputs. Large-scale battery systems like the one in Horana provide the necessary flexibility to manage these inputs without compromising grid stability. This project serves as a scalable roadmap, demonstrating to other businesses in the eLanka directory and beyond how they can contribute to national targets while securing their own operational futures.
Leadership and Vision
During the ceremony, Manoj Tharaka, the Managing Director of SLAM Power Solutions, emphasised the strategic importance of local innovation. “This installation proves that local manufacturing can achieve both energy independence and cost optimisation while directly protecting national grid stability,” Mr Tharaka stated. He further noted that such technology allows Sri Lankan industries to compete more effectively in both local and international markets, as they are no longer as vulnerable to the rising costs of traditional electricity and fuel.
The partnership between SLAM Power Solutions and Ceyring (Pvt) Ltd is seen as a pioneering effort in South Asian corporate engineering. By creating an absolute synergy between heavy industry and smart grid infrastructure, they have established a precedent that other nations in the region are likely to follow.
The Broader Impact on the Sri Lankan Community
For the global Sri Lankan community and those living within the island, these developments signal a maturing economy that is embracing the fourth industrial revolution. Energy security is the backbone of economic prosperity. By reducing the strain on the national grid and lowering the cost of locally manufactured goods, projects like this have a trickle-down effect that benefits all citizens.
Furthermore, the involvement of academic experts and regulatory bodies like the PUCSL ensures that the data gathered from this first-of-its-kind installation will inform future policy and technical standards. It provides a real-world laboratory for Sri Lankan engineers to master the complexities of energy storage, fostering a new generation of technical talent within the country.
Looking Towards a Sustainable Future
As the world moves towards a decarbonised future, the ability to store and manage renewable energy will be the defining factor of economic resilience. The Horana BESS project is a clear indication that Sri Lanka is not just a passive observer of this global shift but an active participant.
For members of the Sri Lankan community abroad who are looking for ways to invest back into their heritage, the growth of the renewable energy sector presents numerous opportunities. Whether through technology transfer, investment, or professional consultancy, the bridge between the global Sri Lankan community and the local industrial sector remains stronger than ever. eLanka continues to be the primary platform for sharing these “Good News” stories, celebrating the innovations that propel our nation forward.
The success of the Ceyring factory installation is expected to trigger a wave of similar projects across the island’s industrial estates. As the technology becomes more widespread, the collective impact on Sri Lanka’s carbon footprint and energy bill will be substantial, paving the way for a cleaner, brighter, and more self-sufficient future for all Sri Lankans.
Source: https://www.sundaytimes.lk/
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