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

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 11th Jul, 2026) Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division) Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari on Saturday said 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 widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).

Addressing the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Conference organized by 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 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 Battery Energy Storage Systems 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.

The minister said battery storage technology offered immense potential for strengthening isolated grids in Gilgit-Baltistan, improving electricity reliability in Gwadar, integrating renewable energy in remote areas and enhancing 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 standardization must remain central to our strategy.

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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 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 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 widespread adoption of electric vehicles would place additional pressure on the country's electricity distribution network unless supported by battery storage solutions.

He said the government envisioned an integrated energy ecosystem where 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, digitalization, distributed generation, battery storage, and electric mobility will together shape the future of our power sector.

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 has the opportunity not only to become a major user of Battery Energy Storage Systems but also a regional hub for their manufacturing and innovation.