'Pakistan’s battery storage imports hit 4.5GW in first six months of 2026'

Pakistan imported more than 4.5GW of battery storage equipment in the first half of 2026, nearly half the 9.5GW brought into the country over its entire history, Business Recorder reported. The figures were discussed at a parliamentary dialogue on energy and the economy, where speakers said high utility tariffs were prompting households and industrial businesses to adopt storage.

Participants raised concerns about safety standards, recycling, the cost of equipment and the potential financial strain on utilities as more consumers leave the grid. A Power Division adviser said competitive tenders for four 10-megawatt-hour pilot projects at LESCO, MEPCO, IESCO and PESCO would be launched within 15 days; NEPRA is also designating storage as a regulated asset. The Pakistan Solar Association said storage imports face a combined tax and customs duty burden of 35% to 40%, while a basic 5 kWh battery costs upwards of Rs250,000.