Pakistan Makes Battery Storage Mandatory for Solar and Wind Bids

Pakistan’s National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has approved mandatory battery energy storage systems (BESS) for solar and wind projects participating in the country’s renewable energy wheeling auctions.

10% Firm Capacity Requirement

Under the revised bidding framework, the firm capacity of the co-located BESS must reach at least 10% of the renewable project’s firm capacity.

The first 400MW auction is expected to require approximately 40MW of firm BESS capacity, equivalent to around 160MWh of energy storage.

The storage systems will charge during periods of high solar and wind generation and discharge when net electricity demand is higher.

Addressing Grid Flexibility Challenges

NEPRA said the requirement is designed to help manage the variability of renewable generation, reduce curtailment and address the “duck curve” and rapid system ramping requirements.

The measure applies specifically to solar and wind projects because of their variable generation profiles.

BESS Market Continues to Expand

The policy is also aligned with Pakistan’s long-term grid planning. The country’s 2025–2035 Indicative Generation Capacity Expansion Plan projects system-level BESS requirements of 600MW by 2030, including 350MW in northern regions and 250MW in the south.

Meanwhile, domestic demand for energy storage is growing among residential and commercial users seeking greater power reliability. In 2025, Pakistan’s lithium-ion battery storage imports reportedly increased 220% year on year to 4.6GWh.

The new auction requirement could further accelerate the deployment of large-scale BESS alongside renewable generation across Pakistan.