Key Takeaways
- SDPI and NCET launched a study on optimal siting of grid-scale battery energy storage systems in Pakistan.
- The study aims to reduce Energy Not Served losses and enhance grid flexibility.
- Experts call for a three-tier approach to support investors and better data analytics.
The Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and the Network for Clean Energy Transition (NCET) have launched a study on the optimal siting of grid-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Pakistan, aiming to address the country’s escalating power grid challenges.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Kashif Imran, a Professor at the US-Pakistan Centre for Advanced Studies in Energy, National University of Science and Technology (NUST), highlighted the study’s valuable insights but noted ongoing confusion about BESS deployment across the sector.
The study proposes a three-tier approach to support investors and emphasizes the need for better data analytics. Dr Imran called for mandating BESS modelling in the Indicative Generation Capacity Expansion Plan (IGCEP) and integrating BESS into Transmission System Expansion Planning (TSEP) cycles.
Muhammad Umer, Research Associate at SDPI, presented the study findings, stating that Pakistan’s power sector continues to face persistent Energy Not Served (ENS) losses amounting to 2.77 GWh.
The research focused on four core objectives: developing a data-driven siting framework for BESS, mitigating congestion and curtailment, building a business case for alignment with CPEC 2.0 investment, and formulating a policy and regulatory roadmap.
The study included a preliminary network-wide screening of the National Grid Company’s 500 kV and 220 kV grid stations, using a ranking-based methodology to assess and compare candidate sites, including Shikarpur, Faisalabad, Dadu, and Rawat.
Mr Umer called for the establishment of a national BESS deployment roadmap, advocating for the adoption of bottom-up forecasting and the integration of BESS into the grid to address specific grid needs.
The study advocates deploying storage technology to alleviate grid constraints, enhance grid flexibility, integrate Variable Renewable Energy (VRE), reduce curtailment, and address transmission bottlenecks as Pakistan pursues its clean energy transition.
Experts believe that BESS can also help reduce transmission losses and address voltage fluctuations, underscoring the need for a structured approach to its deployment.
The study offered valuable insight into optimal BESS siting but highlighted ongoing confusion about its deployment across the sector.
Dr Kashif Imran, Professor at the US-Pakistan Centre for Advanced Studies in Energy, National University of Science and Technology (NUST)
The study focused on four core objectives: developing a data-driven siting framework for BESS, mitigating congestion and curtailment, building a business case for alignment with CPEC 2.0 investment, and formulating a policy and regulatory roadmap.
Muhammad Umer, Research Associate at SDPI
