Sri Lanka Awards First 120 MW/480 MWh BESS Tender For 12 Projects

WindForce PLC has received Letters of Award to develop 12 standalone Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects secured through international competitive bidding. The 12 projects, with a combined installed capacity of 120 MW/480 MWh, will be developed as standalone BESS facilities under the Build, Own and Operate (BOO) model and will operate over a 15-year contract period.

WindForce was awarded these projects as part of Sri Lanka’s first-ever grid-scale standalone BESS initiative, launched by the Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) to enhance national grid stability and support greater integration of renewable energy.

The total investment value of the 12 projects is LKR 20.79 billion, with project financing expected to follow an 80:20 debt-to-equity structure. Of the 12 projects, 11 will be fully owned and developed by WindForce PLC, while the Vavunathivu project will be developed through a consortium between WindForce PLC and Vidullanka PLC.

Winning bidder for the projects

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) awarded 10 MW/40 MWh BESS projects, forming part of the overall 120 MW/480 MWh standalone BESS programme, across Ampara, Old Anuradhapura, Beliatta, Chunnakam, Hambantota, Kilinochchi, Mahiyanganaya, Maho, Polonnaruwa, Valachchenai, Vavuniya, and Vavunathivu.

Previous renewable energy project in Sri Lanka

Earlier this year, Sri Lanka took a major step toward energy independence, with the state hosting its first utility-scale wind project backed by Chinese turbine manufacturer Envision Energy.

The 50 MW Mannar Wind Power Project, located in Sri Lanka’s northern coastal region, represents more than just infrastructure—it marks a strategic pivot for an island nation that has been strained by high fuel import costs and energy blackouts in recent years. The erstwhile tender mandated bidders to install a BESS of at least 20 MW/20 MWh in Sri Lanka.

NTPC-backed TPCL issues PV+BESS EPC tender in Sri Lanka

Trincomalee Power Company Limited (TPCL), a joint venture between Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Electricity Board and India’s National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), has issued an EPC tender under Phase I for a 50 MWac ground-mounted solar power project with a battery energy storage system (BESS). For developing the project in Sampoor, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, TPCL has invited bids until February 18, 2026.