NEPRA Approves Mandatory Energy Storage for Pakistan’s Renewable Energy Auction

Pakistan’s National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has approved a landmark policy requiring all bidders in the country’s upcoming 800MW renewable energy auction to include Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) alongside their solar or wind projects. The decision is aimed at improving grid reliability, addressing renewable energy intermittency, and ensuring electricity remains available during periods of low solar or wind generation.

Under the new framework, energy storage will become a mandatory component of utility-scale renewable projects participating in the competitive auction. The policy is expected to enhance grid flexibility, reduce curtailment of renewable energy, and support Pakistan’s transition towards a cleaner and more resilient power system. Regulators believe integrating battery storage will also help manage peak electricity demand and improve overall system stability.

The approval marks a significant step in Pakistan’s energy transition, aligning the country with global trends of pairing renewable generation with battery storage. Industry experts view the move as a catalyst for investment in large-scale energy storage infrastructure while strengthening Pakistan’s ability to integrate higher shares of renewable energy into the national grid.