Says battery storage technology offers immense potential to strengthen isolated grids in GB
Minister of Energy, Awais Ahmad Leghari. PHOTO: ARCHIVE
Energy Minister Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari on Saturday said battery energy storage systems (BESS) would play a critical role in Pakistan’s energy transition by improving grid stability, supporting greater integration of renewable energy and paving the way for widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EV).
Speaking at the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Conference organized by the Pakistan Solar Association in Lahore, the minister said battery storage had become an essential component of modern energy systems as Pakistan’s power sector undergoes a fundamental transformation driven by the rapid expansion of distributed solar generation.
It said the increasing use of rooftop solar systems had significantly altered electricity demand patterns, resulting in lower demand during the day and higher consumption during nighttime hours.
“This changing demand profile creates operational challenges for the national grid, as excess solar power generated during the day must be balanced with increasing demand for electricity after sunset,” he said.
Leghari said BESS offered an effective solution by storing surplus solar energy during daylight hours and supplying it back to the grid during peak demand, thereby improving grid flexibility, reducing dependence on expensive peak power plants and improving the integration of renewable energy.
He said the government had declared battery energy storage as a strategic priority and had established a Federal Steering Committee on BESS to formulate a coordinated national policy and accelerate regulatory and implementation measures.
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The minister said battery storage technology offers immense potential to strengthen isolated grids in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), improve electricity reliability in Gwadar, integrate renewable energy in remote areas and improve the resilience of the national transmission grid.
Leghari said: “Battery energy storage systems are sophisticated energy systems that require strict compliance with international standards. Quality, certification and standardization must remain fundamental to our strategy. Only high-quality, certified battery systems that comply with international standards should be imported, manufactured or assembled in Pakistan.”
He said the Power Ministry had directed all relevant stakeholders to adopt International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards and allow only IEC certified battery modules to ensure consumer safety and system reliability.
The minister said the government was also promoting indigenous manufacturing of battery systems through a Battery Energy Storage Systems Manufacturing Policy being developed by the Ministry of Industries and Production.
He said the policy would encourage domestic and foreign investment, facilitate technology transfer, strengthen local supply chains and create skilled employment opportunities, with the long-term goal of transforming Pakistan into a regional hub for battery manufacturing and innovation.
The minister said the widespread adoption of electric vehicles would put additional pressure on the country’s electricity distribution network unless it is supported by battery storage solutions.
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Leghari said the government envisioned an integrated energy ecosystem in which rooftop solar panels, battery storage, smart grids and electric vehicles would work together to improve energy efficiency, reduce pressure on the grid and maximize the utilization of renewable energy.
“Pakistan’s energy transition is entering a defining phase. Renewable energy, digitalisation, distributed generation, battery storage and electric mobility will together shape the future of our energy sector,” he said.
Calling for close collaboration between policymakers, regulators, utilities, manufacturers, investors, academia and development partners, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a conducive political and regulatory environment for innovation and investment.
He expressed confidence that with the right policies, strong public-private partnerships and a commitment to local manufacturing, Pakistan would have the opportunity to not only become a major user of battery energy storage systems but also a regional hub for their manufacturing and innovation.
