The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) has issued an international competitive bidding tender for the development of 160 MW/640 MWh standalone Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

Bids must be submitted by September 10, 2025. Bids will be opened on the same day.

Bidders must furnish a bid security of LKR25 million (~$83,333.33)/10MW/40MWh project and a bid document fee of LKR150,000 (~$500) for domestic bidders or $500 for overseas bidders.

Successful bidders will provide a performance security of LKR108 million (~$360,000)/10MW/40MWh project. The quoted tariff will be a flat capacity charge rate in LKR/MW/month for the 15-year period.

The tender will be implemented as sixteen separate grid-connected projects of 10 MW/40 MWh AC capacity each, with interconnections at 33 kV to designated grid substations at Kilinochchi, Vavuniya, Polonnaruwa, Valachchenai, Ampara, Vavunathivu, Monaragala, Mahiyanganaya, Chunnakam, Beliatta, Galle, Matara, Hambantota, Old Anuradhapura, Maho, and Panadura.

Each project will operate for 15 years under an energy storage agreement with CEB.

The scope of work includes grid interconnection works, including 33 kV line, transformers, protection, and metering cubicle at their cost under CEB supervision, and obtaining environmental and statutory approvals.

Two interconnection options are allowed: termination at the substation or at the nearest feasible 33 kV point.

Bidders must submit detailed specifications for the BESS and inverters, compliance with IEC and ISO standards, manufacturer experience, and grid code compliance for frequency response, voltage control, and low voltage ride-through capability.

The liquidated damages clause requires a minimum monthly system availability of 97%. Shortfall will incur penalties equal to twice the capacity charges for unavailable capacity, with annual reconciliation if the yearly average meets the threshold.

A minimum AC-to-AC round-trip efficiency of 85% must be maintained. In case of default, liquidated damages of 150% of the prevailing peak-time tariff will be applied to excess conversion losses.

In November 2023, the CEB issued an expression of interest for two 100 MW floating solar power projects on the Samanalawewa reservoir in the Ratnapura district.