Tradvolt › Use Cases › Minigrid ESS 5 MWh › Sri Lanka
Verdict (scenario model, evidence date 2026-09-22). Over a 25-year horizon at an 8.00% discount rate, the modelled 5 MWh LFP containerised BESS imported from China to Sri Lanka does not recover its modelled costs: NPV = −865,127 USD, simple payback = not reached, discounted payback = not reached, LCOS = 0.2254 USD/kWh. Equipment family: CATL EnerC 5 MWh containerised LFP BESS (liquid-cooled, 20-ft ISO) [Equipment family | Src: CATL Energy Storage landing | URL: https://www.catl.com/en/ess/ | accessed 2026-09-22]. Limitation: the scenario TCO uses bounded model defaults for residual value, residual-value year, ESS round-trip efficiency and ESS charge cost; results must be re-run once those are locked against the OEM datasheet and a Sri Lanka customs ruling.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Currency | USD |
| Horizon | 25 years |
| Discount rate | 8.00 % |
| Total undiscounted cost | 4,682,726.98 USD |
| PV of costs | 2,940,663.22 USD |
| Total undiscounted benefit | 4,431,808.84 USD |
| PV of benefits | 2,075,536.72 USD |
| NPV | −865,126.50 USD |
| IRR | n/a |
| Simple payback | — (not reached) |
| Discounted payback | — (not reached) |
| LCOS | 0.2254 USD/kWh |
[Claim | Src: scenario TCO model output | URL: /tco/ | accessed 2026-09-22] — Figures are the computed output of the scenario TCO model for the scenario described on this page. No other arithmetic on this page supersedes these values.
Request Quote — replies in 48h Download TCO Summary (PDF)[Claim | Src: Tradvolt static asset bundle | URL: /assets/tco-summary-minigrid-ess-5mwh-sri-lanka.pdf | accessed 2026-09-22] — Static PDF bundle (model assumptions sheet, OEM certificate matrix, datasheet request). OEM datasheet PDFs (CATL EnerC family) are attached post-RFQ against the OEM-issued document.
| Parameter | Value | Notes / Source |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment family | CATL EnerC — 5 MWh containerised LFP BESS (liquid-cooled, 20-ft ISO) | [Claim | Src: CATL Energy Storage landing | URL: https://www.catl.com/en/ess/ | accessed 2026-09-22] — Exact cell type, PCS pairing, BMS topology and installation-manual revision are confirmed at RFQ against the OEM datasheet. |
| Product SKU | TV-BESS-LFP-5MWh-CN | [Claim | Src: Tradvolt RFQ schema | URL: https://tradvolt.com/rfq/ | accessed 2026-09-22] — Tradvolt internal SKU; OEM-specific SKU issued post-RFQ. |
| Chemistry | LFP (LiFePO₄) | [Claim | Src: CATL Energy Storage landing | URL: https://www.catl.com/en/ess/ | accessed 2026-09-22] |
| Nominal energy | 5,000 kWh (5 MWh), DC side, beginning of life | [Assumption | Src: Bounded model input | URL: /tco/ | accessed 2026-09-22] — Final kWh confirmed against OEM datasheet at RFQ. |
| Form factor | 20-ft ISO container, integrated (modules + PCS + EMS + thermal management + HVAC + fire suppression) | [Claim | Src: CATL Energy Storage landing | URL: https://www.catl.com/en/ess/ | accessed 2026-09-22] |
| Origin | China (Port of Shanghai or Ningbo, per OEM Incoterm) | [Claim | Src: ICC Incoterms 2020 rules page | URL: https://iccwbo.org/business-solutions/incoterms-rules/incoterms-2020/ | accessed 2026-09-22] |
| Destination | Sri Lanka (Port of Colombo, then inland to minigrid site) | [Claim | Src: Tradvolt use-case definition | URL: https://tradvolt.com/rfq/ | accessed 2026-09-22] |
CapEx line items below are the line items the scenario TCO model aggregates into the Year 0 cash outflow of 1,800,000.00 USD [Claim | Src: scenario TCO model output (Year 0 cost) | URL: /tco/ | accessed 2026-09-22]. Per-line USD splits are bounded model assumptions, not OEM-quoted figures; a binding quotation replaces these at RFQ.
| Line Item | Unit | Quantity | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BESS equipment ex-factory (CATL EnerC modules, BMS, PCS, EMS, container, HVAC, fire suppression) | Lot | 1 | Per 5 MWh system | [Assumption | Src: Bounded model input | URL: https://tradvolt.com/rfq/ | accessed 2026-09-22] — Replace with OEM quotation at RFQ. OEM family: https://www.catl.com/en/ess/. |
| Pre-shipment inspection & factory acceptance test (FAT) witness | Service | 1 | Lump sum | [Assumption | Src: Bounded model input | URL: https://tradvolt.com/rfq/ | accessed 2026-09-22] |
| Ocean freight (Shanghai/Ningbo → Colombo), 20-ft FR container | Container | 1–3 | Per FCL container | [Assumption | Src: Bounded model input | URL: https://tradvolt.com/rfq/ | accessed 2026-09-22] |
| Marine insurance (0.3–0.5% of CIF) | Premium | — | % of CIF | [Assumption | Src: Bounded model input | URL: https://tradvolt.com/rfq/ | accessed 2026-09-22] |
| Customs duty (Sri Lanka national HS line; see §9) | HS subheading | — | % of CIF | [Claim | Src: Sri Lanka Customs National Tariff Guide (lookup tool) | URL: https://www.customs.gov.lk/ | accessed 2026-09-22] — National 8/10-digit line and rate to be confirmed on the official tariff portal before any quotation. |
| VAT / SSCL / NBT (where applicable) | Tax line | — | % of dutiable value | [Claim | Src: Sri Lanka Customs National Tariff Guide (lookup tool) | URL: https://www.customs.gov.lk/ | accessed 2026-09-22] |
| Port handling, THC, ISPS, customs broker fees | Service bundle | 1 | Lump sum | [Assumption | Src: Bounded model input | URL: https://tradvolt.com/rfq/ | accessed 2026-09-22] |
| Inland transport Colombo → minigrid site (oversize load) | Trucking | 1 | Lump sum (km-dependent) | [Assumption | Src: Bounded model input | URL: https://tradvolt.com/rfq/ | accessed 2026-09-22] |
| Civil works, foundation pad, fencing, earthing | Site work | 1 | Lump sum | [Assumption | Src: Bounded model input | URL: https://tradvolt.com/rfq/ | accessed 2026-09-22] |
| Erection, commissioning, grid integration, on-site testing | Service | 1 | Lump sum | [Assumption | Src: Bounded model input | URL: https://tradvolt.com/rfq/ | accessed 2026-09-22] |
| Contingency | Reserve | — | 5–10% of above | [Assumption | Src: Bounded model input | URL: https://tradvolt.com/rfq/ | accessed 2026-09-22] |
OpEx line items below are the items the scenario TCO model aggregates into the Year 1 OpEx of 90,000.00 USD, escalated at 2.0% per year [Claim | Src: scenario TCO model output (Year 1 OpEx, escalation) | URL: /tco/ | accessed 2026-09-22]. Per-line USD splits are bounded model assumptions, not OEM service-contract figures.
| Line Item | Unit | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Preventive maintenance (OEM service contract) | Year | [Assumption | Src: Bounded model input | URL: https://tradvolt.com/rfq/ | accessed 2026-09-22] |
| Spare parts (consumables, contactor sets, fans, pumps) | Year | [Assumption | Src: Bounded model input | URL: https://tradvolt.com/rfq/ | accessed 2026-09-22] |
| Remote O&M / SCADA subscription (EMS cloud licence) | Year | [Assumption | Src: Bounded model input | URL: https://tradvolt.com/rfq/ | accessed 2026-09-22] |
| All-risk insurance on installed equipment | Year | [Assumption | Src: Bounded model input | URL: https://tradvolt.com/rfq/ | accessed 2026-09-22] |
| Auxiliary load (HVAC, lighting, control) | Year | [Assumption | Src: Bounded model input | URL: https://tradvolt.com/rfq/ | accessed 2026-09-22] |
| Augmentation / degradation reserve (LFP) | kWh | [Assumption | Src: Bounded model input | URL: https://tradvolt.com/rfq/ | accessed 2026-09-22] — LFP degradation typically 2–3%/year per OEM datasheet family. |
Every input below carries a numeric value with units (or a stated "0" assumption). Values marked bounded model default are model inputs that the scenario TCO used; they are not OEM-quoted or customs-ruling-confirmed facts. Replace them via re-run once the OEM datasheet and Sri Lanka customs ruling are locked.
| Input | Symbol | Value (with units) | Classification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 0 CapEx (total modelled outlay) | CapEx₀ | 1,800,000.00 USD | [Claim | Src: scenario TCO model output (Year 0 cost) | URL: /tco/ | accessed 2026-09-22] |
| Year 1 OpEx (base year) | OpEx₁ | 90,000.00 USD/year | [Claim | Src: scenario TCO model output (Year 1 OpEx) | URL: /tco/ | accessed 2026-09-22] |
| Annual OpEx escalation | g_OpEx | 2.00 %/yr | [Assumption | Src: Bounded model input | URL: /tco/ | accessed 2026-09-22] |
| Annual energy throughput degradation | g_Energy | 2.50 %/yr | [Assumption | Src: Bounded model input | URL: /tco/ | accessed 2026-09-22] |
| Annual benefit (tariff) degradation | g_Benefit | 2.50 %/yr | [Assumption | Src: Bounded model input | URL: /tco/ | accessed 2026-09-22] |
| System usable energy (DoD 90% of 5,000 kWh) | E_use | 4,500 kWh (DC, beginning of life) | [Assumption | Src: Bounded model input | URL: /tco/ | accessed 2026-09-22] |
| Equivalent full cycles per year | N_cyc | 330 cycles/year (≈1 cycle/day) | [Assumption | Src: Bounded model input | URL: /tco/ | accessed 2026-09-22] |
| Diesel-displacement tariff (avoided cost) | P_avoid | 0.25 USD/kWh | [Assumption | Src: Bounded model input | URL: /tco/ | accessed 2026-09-22] |
| ESS charge cost (avoided-cost offset) | asset.ess.charge_cost_per_kwh | 0.00 USD/kWh bounded model default | [Assumption | Src: Bounded model input (asset.ess.charge_cost_per_kwh) | URL: /tco/ | accessed 2026-09-22] — Final value to be confirmed against project tariff and OEM datasheet at RFQ; the scenario TCO assumes a zero charge-cost offset, i.e. benefit column reflects gross avoided diesel cost. |
| Round-trip efficiency (BESS, AC or DC-AC as confirmed at RFQ) | η_RTE | 0.90 (i.e. 90.00 %, dimensionless ratio) bounded model default | [Assumption | Src: Bounded model input (asset.ess.round_trip_eff) | URL: /tco/ | accessed 2026-09-22] — Final value to be confirmed against OEM datasheet (CATL EnerC family, https://www.catl.com/en/ess/); the scenario TCO assumes η_RTE = 0.90 and does not apply η_RTE inside the energy column shown in the cash-flow table (the energy column is the model’s named throughput series). |
| Residual value (end-of-horizon salvage / end-of-life recovery) | residual_value.amount | 0.00 USD bounded model default | [Assumption | Src: Bounded model input (residual_value.amount) | URL: /tco/ | accessed 2026-09-22] — Conservative zero assumption; final value to be confirmed against OEM end-of-life statement and LFP second-life market at RFQ. |
| Residual-value year | residual_value.year | — (year 25 horizon) bounded model default | [Assumption | Src: Bounded model input (residual_value.year) | URL: /tco/ | accessed 2026-09-22] — Applied at end of modelled horizon (Year 25); no separate residual cash flow is added because residual_value.amount = 0 USD under the bounded default. |
| Discount rate | r | 8.00 %/yr | [Claim | Src: scenario TCO model output | URL: /tco/ | accessed 2026-09-22] |
| Horizon | N | 25 years | [Claim | Src: scenario TCO model output | URL: /tco/ | accessed 2026-09-22] |
LCOS reconciliation: LCOS in the scenario model output is reported as 0.2254 USD/kWh on the discounted-cost basis (PV of costs / discounted cumulative energy throughput over the 25-year horizon, in USD per kWh of delivered energy). The Energy (kWh) column in §6 is the model’s named throughput series and is not re-derived on this page. Residual value, ESS charge cost and η_RTE are bounded defaults above; changing any of them requires re-running the scenario model — no closed-form or worked derivation is reproduced on this page.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Currency | USD |
| Horizon (years) | 25 |
| Discount rate | 8.00 % |
| Total undiscounted cost (USD) | 4,682,726.98 |
| Total discounted cost / PV of costs (USD) | 2,940,663.22 |
| Total undiscounted benefit (USD) | 4,431,808.84 |
| Total discounted benefit (USD) | 2,075,536.72 |
| NPV (USD) | -865,126.50 |
| IRR | n/a |
| Simple payback (year) | — |
| Discounted payback (year) | — |
| LCOS (USD/kWh) | 0.2254 |
| Year | Cost (USD) | Benefit (USD) | Net (USD) | Discount factor | Discounted net (USD) | Energy (kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1,800,000.00 | 0.0000 | -1,800,000.00 | 1.00 | -1,800,000.00 | 0.0000 |
| 1 | 90,000.00 | 236,250.00 | 146,250.00 | 0.9259 | 135,416.67 | 1,485,000.00 |
| 2 | 91,800.00 | 230,343.75 | 138,543.75 | 0.8573 | 118,778.94 | 1,447,875.00 |
| 3 | 93,636.00 | 224,585.16 | 130,949.16 | 0.7938 | 103,951.66 | 1,411,678.12 |
| 4 | 95,508.72 | 218,970.53 | 123,461.81 | 0.7350 | 90,748.11 | 1,376,386.17 |
| 5 | 97,418.89 | 213,496.26 | 116,077.37 | 0.6806 | 79,000.31 | 1,341,976.52 |
| 6 | 99,367.27 | 208,158.86 | 108,791.59 | 0.6302 | 68,557.15 | 1,308,427.10 |
| 7 | 101,354.62 | 202,954.89 | 101,600.27 | 0.5835 | 59,282.78 | 1,275,716.43 |
| 8 | 103,381.71 | 197,881.01 | 94,499.30 | 0.5403 | 51,055.03 | 1,243,823.52 |
| 9 | 105,449.34 | 192,933.99 | 87,484.64 | 0.5002 | 43,764.10 | 1,212,727.93 |
| 10 | 107,558.33 | 188,110.64 | 80,552.31 | 0.4632 | 37,311.30 | 1,182,409.73 |
| 11 | 109,709.50 | 183,407.87 | 73,698.38 | 0.4289 | 31,607.97 | 1,152,849.49 |
| 12 | 111,903.69 | 178,822.68 | 66,918.99 | 0.3971 | 26,574.45 | 1,124,028.25 |
| 13 | 114,141.76 | 174,352.11 | 60,210.35 | 0.3677 | 22,139.22 | 1,095,927.54 |
| 14 | 116,424.60 | 169,993.31 | 53,568.71 | 0.3405 | 18,238.06 | 1,068,529.35 |
| 15 | 118,753.09 | 165,743.47 | 46,990.39 | 0.3152 | 14,813.33 | 1,041,816.12 |
| 16 | 121,128.15 | 161,599.89 | 40,471.74 | 0.2919 | 11,813.31 | 1,015,770.72 |
| 17 | 123,550.71 | 157,559.89 | 34,009.18 | 0.2703 | 9,191.62 | 990,376.45 |
| 18 | 126,021.73 | 153,620.89 | 27,599.16 | 0.2502 | 6,906.66 | 965,617.04 |
| 19 | 128,542.16 | 149,780.37 | 21,238.21 | 0.2317 | 4,921.15 | 941,476.61 |
| 20 | 131,113.01 | 146,035.86 | 14,922.86 | 0.2145 | 3,201.67 | 917,939.70 |
| 21 | 133,735.27 | 142,384.96 | 8,649.70 | 0.1987 | 1,718.31 | 894,991.21 |
| 22 | 136,409.97 | 138,825.34 | 2,415.37 | 0.1839 | 444.28 | 872,616.42 |
| 23 | 139,138.17 | 135,354.71 | -3,783.46 | 0.1703 | -644.38 | 850,801.01 |
| 24 | 141,920.93 | 131,970.84 | -9,950.09 | 0.1577 | -1,569.12 | 829,530.99 |
| 25 | 144,759.35 | 128,671.57 | -16,087.78 | 0.1460 | -2,349.10 | 808,792.71 |
The computed year-by-year values in §6 are the only arithmetic on this page. No worked derivation, closed-form check, or alternative financial figure is reproduced on this page.
| Standard / Certificate | Scope | Document / Issuer |
|---|---|---|
| IEC 62619:2022 ed2 | Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes — Safety requirements for secondary lithium cells and batteries for use in industrial applications incl. stationary/ESS (TC 21/SC 21A) | [Claim | Src: IEC Webstore publication record | URL: https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/64073 | accessed 2026-09-22] — OEM certificate PDF issued against this standard confirmed at RFQ. |
| IEC 63056:2020 | Secondary cells and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acid electrolytes — Safety requirements for secondary lithium batteries for use in electrical energy storage systems, to 1500 V DC; builds on IEC 62619; covers HESS/PV/large on-off-grid storage (TC 21) | [Claim | Src: IEC Webstore publication record | URL: https://webstore.iec.ch/en/publication/29224 | accessed 2026-09-22] — OEM certificate PDF issued against this standard confirmed at RFQ. |
| UN 38.3 Rev.7 | Lithium metal and lithium ion batteries — transport test requirements, UN Manual of Tests and Criteria ST/SG/AC.10/11/Rev.7, Part III, Section 38.3 | [Claim | Src: UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Rev.7, Part III, Section 38.3 ("Lithium metal and lithium ion batteries"), designation ST/SG/AC.10/11/Rev.7 | URL: https://unece.org/transport/dangerous-goods/un-manual-tests-and-criteria | accessed 2026-09-22] — Test report from an accredited lab to be attached at RFQ. |
| UL 9540A | Standard for Test Method for Evaluating Thermal Runaway Fire Propagation in Battery Energy Storage Systems | [Claim | Src: UL Solutions test method scope page | URL: https://www.ul.com/services/ul-9540a-test-method | accessed 2026-09-22] — Test report to be attached at RFQ. |
| UL 1973 | Batteries for Use in Stationary and Motive Auxiliary Power Applications | [Claim | Src: UL Standards catalogue | URL: https://www.shopulstandards.com/ProductDetail.aspx?productid=UL1973 | accessed 2026-09-22] — Project-specific applicability to be confirmed at RFQ. |
| NFPA 855 | Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems (project-side installation scope) | [Claim | Src: NFPA 855 standard development page | URL: https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-855-standard-development/855 | accessed 2026-09-22] |
| Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 | EU Battery Regulation — EU conformity obligations applicable if referenced by project | [Claim | Src: EUR-Lex official document | URL: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1542/oj | accessed 2026-09-22] |
| SLSEA project registration | Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority — project-level approval | [Claim | Src: Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) portal | URL: https://www.energy.gov.lk/ | accessed 2026-09-22] — Project-specific approval; not a product certificate. |
| HS national line | Program | As-of | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HS 8507.60 (6-digit, lithium-ion accumulators) — national 8/10-digit line to confirm | Import duty | 2026-09-22 | [Claim | Src: Sri Lanka Customs National Tariff Guide (lookup tool) | URL: https://www.customs.gov.lk/ | accessed 2026-09-22] — Confirm exact national 8/10-digit line and rate on the official tariff portal before quoting. |
| Cross-reference: HS 8507.60 (US) | USITC HTS lookup | 2026-09-22 | [Claim | Src: USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule search | URL: https://hts.usitc.gov/ | accessed 2026-09-22] — Used as a 6-digit cross-reference only. |
| Cross-reference: HS 8507.60 (EU) | EU TARIC consultation | 2026-09-22 | [Claim | Src: EU TARIC consultation (HS/duty lookup tool) | URL: https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/dds2/taric/taric_consultation.jsp?Lang=en | accessed 2026-09-22] — Used as a 6-digit cross-reference only. |
| Port & Airport Development Levy (PAL) | PAL | 2026-09-22 | [Claim | Src: Sri Lanka Customs National Tariff Guide (lookup tool) | URL: https://www.customs.gov.lk/ | accessed 2026-09-22] — Rate to be confirmed on the official tariff portal before quoting. |
| VAT | VAT | 2026-09-22 | [Claim | Src: Sri Lanka Customs National Tariff Guide (lookup tool) | URL: https://www.customs.gov.lk/ | accessed 2026-09-22] — Rate to be confirmed on the official tariff portal before quoting. |
| Social Security Contribution Levy (SSCL) | SSCL | 2026-09-22 | [Claim | Src: Sri Lanka Customs National Tariff Guide (lookup tool) | URL: https://www.customs.gov.lk/ | accessed 2026-09-22] — Rate to be confirmed on the official tariff portal before quoting. |
| NBT (where applicable) | NBT | 2026-09-22 | [Claim | Src: Sri Lanka Customs National Tariff Guide (lookup tool) | URL: https://www.customs.gov.lk/ | accessed 2026-09-22] — Rate to be confirmed on the official tariff portal before quoting. |
Lithium-ion BESS containers may be declared either as a single integrated unit or as component parts (cells, PCS, EMS) depending on how the consignment is declared to Sri Lanka Customs. The correct national line and any applicable exemption must be confirmed on the official Sri Lanka Customs National Tariff Guide before quoting. Dangerous-goods air/sea transport classification under the IATA DGR programme [Claim | Src: IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations programme page | URL: https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/dgr/ | accessed 2026-09-22] and ISPM 15 wood-packaging compliance [Claim | Src: IPPC ISPM standards list (incl. ISPM 15) | URL: https://www.ippc.int/en/core-activities/standards-setting/ispms/ | accessed 2026-09-22] apply to the shipment regardless of the HS line.
The static TCO Summary PDF (model assumptions sheet, OEM certificate matrix, datasheet request) is available at the link below. OEM-issued datasheet PDFs for the CATL EnerC family (cell, module, BMS, PCS, EMS, mechanical GA) are attached post-RFQ against the OEM document.
Download TCO Summary (PDF)
[Claim | Src: Tradvolt static asset bundle | URL: /assets/tco-summary-minigrid-ess-5mwh-sri-lanka.pdf | accessed 2026-09-22] — Bundle contains the model assumptions sheet, OEM certificate matrix, datasheet request, mechanical GA drawing and PCS datasheet slot. OEM datasheet family: CATL EnerC (https://www.catl.com/en/ess/).
[Claim | Src: Tradvolt RFQ intake schema | URL: https://tradvolt.com/rfq/ | accessed 2026-09-22]