British Firm Expresses Interest in Pakistan’s Power Transmission Sector

British International Investment (BII), the United Kingdom’s development finance institution, has expressed interest in investing in Pakistan’s power transmission network as the country moves forward with plans to modernize its national grid and support its energy transition. A BII delegation, led by Managing Director and Head of Asia Srini Nagarajan, held discussions with Federal Energy Minister Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari regarding opportunities for private-sector participation in transmission infrastructure.

The discussions focused on upgrading Pakistan’s electricity transmission system, developing utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and attracting international capital for critical energy infrastructure projects. The government highlighted that Pakistan’s grid could require around 3,000 MW of battery storage capacity (11,000 MWh) in the coming years as renewable energy integration increases.

BII, which has maintained a presence in Pakistan since 1987 with approximately $600 million in active commitments, highlighted its experience in climate infrastructure, energy, and grid development. The government is also working on an 8–10 year roadmap for grid modernization, including improved power evacuation from renewable energy zones, grid digitalization, and creating a more predictable investment environment for international partners. The potential investment comes as Pakistan seeks to strengthen its transmission infrastructure to accommodate growing solar, wind, and hydropower generation while improving reliability and reducing pressure on consumers.