COLOMBO, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's hydro storage levels have risen to 66.5 percent following recent rainfall, providing temporary relief to the national power system, local news outlet The Morning reported Sunday, citing National System Operator (NSO) Chairman Pradeep Perera.
Perera said hydro storage had increased to about 850 gigawatt-hours (GWh) from around 560 GWh before the rains, enabling more reliable system management until the first week of September.
However, the improved storage has not reduced the need for longer-term preparations, as forecasts indicate possible dry conditions in January, February and March 2027.
The NSO is proceeding with planned battery energy storage procurement, including proposed additions of 250 megawatts (MW) and 150 MW. A separate Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka proposal to introduce a feed-in tariff mechanism is also under public consultation and is being considered as a potential procurement option.
Perera said increased evaporation caused by high temperatures had so far had only a limited impact on overall hydro storage, but prolonged hot conditions could have a more significant effect. ■