Pakistan’s solar capacity reaches 38,000MW: Awais Leghari

Federal Minister for Power Awais Leghari has said Pakistan's solar energy capacity has reached 38,000

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Power Awais Leghari has said Pakistan’s solar energy capacity has reached 38,000 megawatts (MW), highlighting the country’s growing shift toward renewable energy and its commitment to reducing dependence on imported fuels.

Speaking at the Battery Storage Flexibility 2026 Conference, the minister said the government aims to increase the share of clean energy in Pakistan’s electricity mix to 90% by 2035. He said expanding renewable energy and developing battery storage solutions are key to strengthening the country’s energy security and lowering the import bill for conventional fuels.

Leghari said the government is promoting the development of a local battery energy storage industry, encouraging domestic engineering, system integration and battery management software. He added that the Ministry of Industries is finalizing a national policy to support local battery manufacturing.

The minister announced that the government is also preparing a National Battery Energy Storage Framework, which will include safety standards, grid connection guidelines and investment regulations to support the growth of the sector.

According to Leghari, clean energy now accounts for 55% of Pakistan’s total electricity generation, reflecting significant progress in the country’s transition toward sustainable energy sources.

He said a National Steering Committee for Battery Energy Storage Systems has already been established, while technical and regulatory working groups have also been formed to guide policy development and implementation.

Leghari further revealed that pilot battery energy storage projects have been approved for electricity distribution companies. The data collected from these projects will help shape future regulatory policies and improve the country’s energy planning.

The minister said Pakistan has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing distributed energy markets and assured investors that the government will provide a clear, transparent and long-term regulatory framework to encourage investment.