Pakistan’s commercial and industrial sector (C&I) finds itself at a pivotal moment. The sector is signalling a shift towards an alternative and economical energy solution in the form of solar energy. Forward-thinking companies in the C&I sector are already turning electricity price volatility into a strategic advantage with solar solutions. At the core of this strategic shift is solar battery energy storage system (BESS) for industries that are steering Pakistan towards a sustainable future.
The reasons for turning to solar BESS are self-explanatory, as Pakistan’s energy sector continues to face structural challenges such as supply-demand mismatches, outdated infrastructure, and rising circular debt.
Fossil fuels still dominate electricity generation, and the total supply remains insufficient to meet the country’s rising demand. These conditions have serious implications for businesses, particularly during peak summer months when frequent power outages and low voltages disrupt operations and reduce industrial productivity.
The C&I sector bears the brunt of these inefficiencies owing to higher energy costs per unit and expensive backup power solutions. The residential sector is not safe from crippling energy issues either, as electricity theft via illegal connections and tampered meters has led to losses of over billions of rupees in recent years, directly burdening the national grid and inflating tariffs.
Since 2021, electricity prices have surged by 155%, with some reported electricity bills surpassing rental costs in the absence of alternative energy solutions. BESS offers low-cost, uninterrupted power independence from the grid, which is crucial for sectors reliant on continuous production.
In 2024, Pakistan imported 1.25 Gigawatt-hours (GWh) of lithium-ion battery packs, with demand projected to grow to 8.75 GWh by 2030. Lithium-ion battery packs, for anyone wondering, are the primary component of BESS.
This marks a strategic shift toward energy resilience. As energy security becomes a core concern for business sustainability, BESS stands out as a transformative technology that empowers industries to mitigate risk, control costs, and ensure long-term operational stability.
How Do Battery Energy Storage Systems Work?
A BESS stores electrical energy in batteries for later use. Comparable to a large-scale power bank, it is typically integrated with renewable sources, most commonly solar energy, in Pakistan’s context.
BESS comprises several key components showcased below:
Additional features like thermal management systems maintain safe operating temperatures and protective enclosures safeguard the components from environmental hazards.
Collectively, these elements enable BESS to provide a stable, efficient, and flexible energy storage solution for industrial and commercial applications.
Applications and Benefits of BESS in Pakistan
A battery energy storage system for enterprise can reshape energy consumption by improving efficiency, lowering costs, and enhancing reliability.
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Reliable Backup Power
In remote areas lacking grid access (such as the one mentioned in the next section), BESS facilitates the creation of localized energy systems. In grid-connected zones, it serves as a dependable backup during power outages, minimizing downtime and safeguarding critical operations, which is an essential feature for sectors requiring an uninterrupted power supply.
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Environmental Sustainability
For environmentally responsible businesses, BESS supports the transition to clean energy by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. It lowers carbon emissions, aligning with global sustainability goals and enhancing the company’s environmental footprint.
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Load Management with Peak Shaving
High electricity tariffs during peak hours impact both residential and industrial users, but industries face greater challenges due to continuous operations and higher per-unit costs. BESS enables businesses to store energy during off-peak periods and discharge it when demand and prices are high, reducing reliance on costly grid power.
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Optimized Use of Renewable Energy
Solar energy production is weather-dependent and may not always align with industrial demand. BESS mitigates this variability by storing surplus energy generated during high production hours for use during low-generation periods, ensuring operational continuity regardless of weather conditions.
Yet, for all these phenomenal benefits provided, there is one glaring issue staring the C&I sector in the face, and that is finding a reliable BESS provider. For our readers, we have narrowed down one of the reliable companies below that provides BESS in Pakistan with the expertise to manage the entire end-to-end process of BESS installation, including the after-sales service.
Wateen’s Energy Solutions BESS: A Game-changer for the Renewable Energy Sector
For reliable energy solutions, custom-made for the industry’s needs, Wateen’s Energy Solutions is one of the leading providers in the country. Their rich portfolio of C&I clients is a testament to our last point. For delivering a state-of-the-art battery energy storage system for industries, Wateen is one of the companies leading the charge. Wateen’s Energy Solutions is aiming to make industries energy independent.
At Khoj Resorts, Wateen implemented one of its comprehensive solar BESS installations, comprising a 200 kW inverter, 422 kWh of backup batteries, and a 255 kW solar installation. The primary objective of this BESS installation was to provide the resort with the means to generate its electricity since it did not have any main grid connections, and the backup power solutions, like diesel-powered generators, were expensive to maintain.
Central to this installed setup is Wateen’s Energy Management System (EMS), which uses advanced analytics for demand forecasting, monitoring, and automated energy balancing based on real-time and historical data.
The EMS enables complete visibility into energy generation, consumption, and predicted vs. actual yields even for regular solar systems. Wateen’s battery energy storage system for industries features standard lithium-ion batteries. Businesses can choose between maintaining a grid connection for revenue opportunities or operating off-grid for full energy independence. Either approach supports long-term cost savings and sustainability goals.
Wateen’s round-the-clock support and commitment to innovation position it as a key enabler in Pakistan’s transition to reliable, clean energy for industry. Wateen’s Energy Solutions is at the forefront of innovative energy solutions, driving the Pakistani industry towards sustainability, operational efficiency, and green energy.
The Way Forward
The investment in solar energy and especially BESS is a long-term commitment. The payoffs are substantial, but for value generation, a cost-benefit analysis is always warranted. The role of Wateen’s Energy Solutions in shaping the future of energy consumption has become more critical. Click the link here to get an on-site audit conducted for your business to assess your solar energy requirements.