Solar reshapes power demand patterns: Leghari

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Energy (Power Division) Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari on Saturday warned that Pakistan’s rapidly expanding rooftop solar generation is reshaping electricity demand patterns and creating new operational challenges for the national grid, prompting the government to fast-track battery storage solutions.

Addressing the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Conference organised by the Pakistan Solar Association in Lahore, the minister said the surge in distributed solar installations has led to a sharp decline in daytime electricity demand and a significant burden on the grid during evening hours.

“This structural shift in demand is putting pressure on grid management, as surplus electricity generated during the day must be balanced with rising consumption after sunset,” he said.

Leghari emphasised that without adequate storage capacity, the growing solar footprint could undermine grid stability, increase inefficiencies and force continued dependence on costly peaking power plants.

He said Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) have emerged as a critical solution, enabling storage of excess solar power during the day and its dispatch during peak evening demand, thereby improving grid flexibility and reducing system costs.

Also read: Pakistan’s solar revolution: phase-two in full swing

Highlighting the urgency, the minister said the government has declared battery storage a strategic priority and constituted a Federal Steering Committee to formulate a comprehensive national BESS policy and accelerate implementation.

He noted that beyond the national grid, battery storage could address long-standing supply issues in remote and underserved regions, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Gwadar, while strengthening the resilience of the transmission network.

Leghari underscored that rapid deployment must be accompanied by strict regulatory oversight, stressing that only internationally certified battery systems should be allowed in Pakistan to ensure safety and reliability.

“The Ministry of Energy has directed stakeholders to adopt International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, making certification mandatory for all battery modules,” he said.

The minister also revealed that the government is working on a dedicated manufacturing policy aimed at promoting local production of battery systems, attracting foreign investment and facilitating technology transfer.

According to him, the policy will help develop local supply chains, create skilled jobs and position Pakistan as a regional hub for battery manufacturing.

He cautioned that the expected rise in electric vehicles would further strain the distribution network if not supported by adequate storage infrastructure.

The minister outlined the government’s vision of an integrated energy ecosystem combining rooftop solar, battery storage, smart grids and electric vehicles to optimise energy use and minimise grid stress.

“Pakistan’s energy transition is entering a defining phase where distributed generation and storage must evolve together,” he said.

Calling for coordinated efforts among regulators, investors and industry stakeholders, Leghari reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a policy environment conducive to innovation, investment and long-term sustainability in the power sector.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026