The Hon. Kumara Jayakody - Minister of Energy

¶ 01 Answer:

¶ 02 (a) (i) Yes.

¶ 03 (ii) Measures have been taken, as follows.

¶ 04 Short-term steps: 1) Update inverter parameter settings of rooftop solar systems to support grid stability during transient disturbances. As of now, approximately 31,100 installations totaling about 800 MW, including ground-mounted systems, have been updated. 2) Introduce technical and regulatory measures to encourage on-site consumption by rooftop solar generators (not only export to grid) to mitigate stability issues. 3) Operate hydro and thermal plants as synchronous condensers where feasible. Lakshapana New Power Station Units 1 and 2 have been converted and tested; approvals are being obtained to convert another unit. 4) During low-demand, high-solar daytime periods (e.g., Sundays and holidays), control/limit output of solar and wind plants under system control to maintain stability. Embedded generators not under central control will be requested, via distribution control centers and regional engineers using AI-assisted schedules, to suspend generation temporarily; most owners comply. 5) Implement a time-based tariff framework enabling Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to be integrated with renewable plants to both connect to the grid and support stability; Cabinet approval obtained and program initiated. 6) Ensure that future wind and solar plants are controllable via the System Control Centre through appropriate legal and technical provisions incorporated in Power Purchase Agreements. 7) Review and update technical parameters for stability (e.g., spinning reserves, Under Frequency Load Shedding schemes). Implement immediate procedures for safe shutdown of Lakvijaya (Norochcholai) Power Station; provide auxiliary load support via Sobadhanavi to facilitate safe restoration of Colombo supply and auxiliary services at Lakvijaya.

¶ 05 [Detailed notes under items 1, 2, and 7 placed in the Library.]

¶ 06 Long-term steps: 1) Pumped storage: Two principal sites identified; Mahawoya selected for detailed feasibility; work underway on estimates and land allocation. 2) Large-scale battery storage: 100 MW targeted for 2026 and 160 MW for 2027. Tenders called for 160 MW; a 100 MW facility to be tendered using ADB funds. 3) Establish a Renewable Energy Control Unit for forecasting and centralized control of renewables via the System Control Centre; tender documents being prepared using ADB funds. 4) Enhance transmission system stability by adding devices such as STATCOM/SVC and synchronous condensers. 5) Add fast-acting, inertia-providing flexible plants to support stability at high renewable penetration. 6) Introduce additional smart meter functions for remote monitoring and emergency disconnection. 7) Commence Distribution Control Centre Project to ensure real-time visibility/control of non-conventional renewable energy via manufacturer inverters or SIM/modem solutions; to be completed in two years with all four distribution control centres operational to full functionality; legal guidance being finalized for direct inverter data access.

¶ 07 (b) Not applicable.