The Sri Lankan government set a goal of achieving 70% renewable energy generation by 2030 and becoming carbon neutral by 2050. The Ministry of Power and Energy, Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL), and electricity sector service providers take measures to achieve these targets.

In order to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7, which focuses on affordable and clean energy, Sri Lanka is implementing its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As part of its NDC plan, Sri Lanka aims to develop an additional capacity of 3,867MW of renewable energy by 2030. Given its abundant renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass, Sri Lanka has the potential to meet this target. As the country is rich in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass, the approved LTGEP base case plan outlines a target of 4,705MW of solar power, 1825MW of wind power, 195MW of mini-hydro, and 200MW of biomass power.

Currently, Sri Lanka has the following capacity mix.

(Data as at 31^st April 2024)

The renewable energy plants that have obtained a generation license from PUCSL have been added to the following MAP. The Renewable Plant Map of Sri Lanka enables the public to easily locate these plants and understand the resources being utilized based on the available potential.

Regulatory Frameworks for RTSPV & BESS

This Regulatory Framework applies to all entities involved in the planning, design, supply, installation, commissioning, operation, maintenance, modification, expansion, ownership, and decommissioning of grid-connected Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic (RTSPV) systems and Lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage Systems (Li-ion BESS) integrated with or connected to such RTSPV systems within Sri Lanka.

The provisions of this Framework shall apply to, but are not limited to, the following entities:

•       Prosumers in all consumer categories owns and operate grid-connected RTSPV systems and Owners and operators of Li-ion Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) integrated with RTSPV systems.

•       Solar PV service providers such as installers and contractors registered with the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA),

•       Electricity Transmission and Distribution Licensees, National Transmission Network Service Provider (NSO, NTNSP, EDL and LECO) responsible for processing applications, granting grid connections, operating the Transmission/distribution network, and ensuring compliance with the applicable technical requirements.

•       Manufacturers, importers, suppliers, distributors, and retailers of RTSPV system components, hybrid inverters, battery energy storage systems, and associated equipment placed on the Sri Lankan market.

•       Distributed Energy Resource (DER) aggregators, Virtual Power Plant (VPP) operators, or any other entities authorized to aggregate, control, or manage distributed energy resources under applicable laws or regulations.

REGULATORY INSTRUMENTS TO BE FOLLOWED AND COMPLIED WITH BY LICENSEES, PROSUMERS, AND RELEVANT CONTRACTORS PRESENTLY IN PLACE.

1.      Electricity (Safety, Quality and Continuity) Regulations, 2016
2.      Electricity (Applications for Licenses and Exemptions) Regulation, 2009
3.      Regulations on Electricity (Distribution) Performance Standards
4.      Regulations on Electricity (Transmission) Performance Standards
5.      Electricity (Dispute Resolution Procedure) Rules/ Regulation
6.      Standard Power Purchase Agreement (SPPA) for Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic (RTSPV) and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Installations (Pending)
7.      Exemption from the requirement of obtaining a license to generate electricity using Rooftop Solar PV Systems.
8.      Guidelines on the Interconnection and Operation of Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic (RTSPV)/BESS Systems for Distribution Utilities and Prosumers
9.      Guidelines on the Installation, Operation, and Maintenance of Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic (RTSPV) Systems for Solar Service Providers
10.     Code of Practice for the Installation and Operation of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Integrated with Solar Photovoltaic Systems (Pending)
11.     Technical Specifications for Photovoltaic (PV)-Integrated Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
12.     Feed-in Tariff Methodology for Renewable Energy Generation Facilities
13.     Sri Lanka Standards (SLS) Applicable to Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic (RTSPV) and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)-
14.     Declaration form to be signed by the Chartered Electrical Engineer

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