BESS key to Pakistan's energy transition, grid stability: power minister

Says battery storage technology offered immense potential to strengthen isolated grids in G-B

Power Minister Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari on Saturday said Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) would play a pivotal role in Pakistan's energy transition by enhancing grid stability, supporting greater integration of renewable energy, and paving the way for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).

Addressing the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Conference organised by the Pakistan Solar Association in Lahore, the minister said battery storage had become an essential component of modern power systems as Pakistan's electricity sector undergoes a fundamental transformation driven by the rapid expansion of distributed solar generation.

He said the growing use of rooftop solar systems had significantly altered electricity demand patterns, resulting in lower daytime demand and higher consumption during the evening hours.

"This changing demand profile creates operational challenges for the national grid, as surplus solar energy generated during the day must be balanced with rising electricity demand 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 reliance on expensive peaking power plants, and enhancing the integration of renewable energy.

He said the government had declared battery energy storage a strategic priority and 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 offered immense potential to strengthen isolated grids in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), improve electricity reliability in Gwadar, integrate renewable energy in remote areas, and enhance the resilience of the national transmission network.

Leghari said: "Battery Energy Storage Systems are sophisticated energy systems that require strict adherence to international standards. Quality, certification, and standardisation must remain central to our strategy. Only high-quality, certified, and internationally compliant battery systems should be imported, manufactured, or assembled in Pakistan."

He said the Ministry of Energy had directed all relevant stakeholders to adopt International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards and permit 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 dedicated 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 objective of transforming Pakistan into a regional hub for battery manufacturing and innovation.

The minister said the widespread adoption of electric vehicles would place additional pressure on the country's electricity distribution network unless 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 maximise the utilisation 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 power sector," he said.

Calling for close collaboration among policymakers, regulators, utilities, manufacturers, investors, academia, and development partners, the minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to creating a policy and regulatory environment conducive to innovation and investment.

He expressed confidence that, with the right policies, strong public-private partnerships, and a commitment to local manufacturing, Pakistan had the opportunity not only to become a major user of Battery Energy Storage Systems but also a regional hub for their manufacturing and innovation.