Pakistan’s Battery Storage Imports Surge, Over 6 GWh of Lithium-Ion Batteries Imported in 30 Months

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has witnessed a significant rise in battery energy storage imports alongside the rapid expansion of solar power, with more than 6 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of lithium-ion batteries imported over the past 30 months, reflecting the country’s growing demand for electricity storage solutions.

According to a market intelligence report prepared by Power Division Adviser Syed Faizan Ali, Pakistan imported a total of 6.004 GWh of lithium-ion batteries between January 2024 and June 2026. The imports were valued at approximately $454.7 million, equivalent to more than Rs126 billion.

The report shows that April 2026 recorded the highest monthly battery imports in the country’s history, with 652.2 megawatt-hours (MWh) of lithium-ion batteries imported during the month. The sharp increase indicates the growing adoption of battery energy storage systems across residential, commercial and industrial sectors.

According to the report, the rapid expansion of rooftop solar installations has encouraged consumers to invest in battery storage systems to store surplus electricity generated during the day for use during peak evening hours or power outages. This trend is helping reduce dependence on expensive grid electricity and improving energy reliability.

The report notes that Pakistan’s peak electricity demand during evening hours has exceeded 26,000 megawatts, making battery energy storage systems an increasingly important component of the country’s future power infrastructure.

To accelerate the transition, the report recommends introducing Time-of-Use (TOU) net metering or net billing, allowing consumers to receive higher compensation for supplying stored electricity to the national grid during peak demand hours.

The report also attributes the rapid growth in battery imports to rising electricity prices, increasing concerns over energy security and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have encouraged consumers and businesses to adopt energy storage technologies.

It further recommends establishing a national registration and monitoring system for battery energy storage installations and developing a comprehensive battery technology policy to promote local manufacturing of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells and battery management systems. According to the report, if the current growth trend continues, Pakistan’s electricity storage capacity is expected to expand significantly in the coming years, strengthening the country’s energy security and reducing reliance on imported fuels.