Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division) Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari on Saturday said that 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, 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 underwent a fundamental transformation driven by the rapid expansion of distributed solar generation. He mentioned that 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."

Leghari emphasised that 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 power plants and enhancing the integration of renewable energy.

He said that the government had declared battery energy storage as a strategic priority and established a federal steering committee to formulate a coordinated national policy and accelerate regulatory and implementation measures.

The minister said the 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 noted that BESS was a sophisticated system that required 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 highlighted that the Ministry of Energy had directed all relevant stakeholders to adopt the 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. The policy will 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.