The federal government of Pakistan has given the green light to an innovative battery-backed power system designed to guarantee a continuous and reliable electricity supply to Gwadar by February or March of 2027. This strategic move aims to resolve the persistent challenges of power fluctuations and grid instability that have long affected the port city and its surrounding industrial zones.
During a session of the Senate on Friday, Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari elaborated on the new power arrangement in response to a query raised by Senator Jan Muhammad. He emphasized that the newly approved system will ensure “100 percent reliable electricity” for Gwadar’s critical infrastructure, including the deep-sea port, desalination plants, and industrial areas. This initiative reflects the federal government’s commitment to supporting Gwadar’s transformation into a major economic hub.
The decision to implement this battery energy storage system (BESS) was taken following a comprehensive assessment of Gwadar’s power requirements projected over the next four to five years. Currently, the city’s electricity demand ranges between 40 to 50 megawatts (MW), but with the expected growth in industrial and port activities, a more robust and stable power supply has become essential. The new system will integrate battery storage with low-cost backup generation, allowing it to maintain a steady electricity flow even during disruptions caused by external factors, all while avoiding additional stress on the national grid.
Minister Leghari also highlighted the existing sources of electricity for Gwadar, which primarily include imports from Iran and supply from Pakistan’s national grid. Under a bilateral agreement, Pakistan is obligated to purchase a fixed amount of electricity from Iran annually on a take-or-pay basis. Both countries have developed the necessary transmission infrastructure to facilitate this exchange. However, the Iranian supply has been prone to interruptions and voltage fluctuations due to technical issues and seasonal variations, which have adversely impacted grid stability in the Makran division and southern Gwadar.
Moreover, although Gwadar and the broader Makran region are connected to Pakistan’s national grid, the significant distance of over 600 kilometers between the power generation centers and Gwadar leads to voltage drops, especially during peak consumption periods. Previous proposals to upgrade the transmission lines to higher capacity levels were explored but ultimately deemed economically unfeasible due to the relatively low demand in the region and the extended timeframe required for cost recovery.
In response to further questions from Senator Danish Kumar and Leader of the Opposition Raja Nasir Abbas, the minister clarified that power fluctuations mainly occur when the Iranian supply is interrupted, forcing the region to rely solely on the national grid. He also explained that electricity from Iran and Pakistan’s grid cannot be operated simultaneously because of technical challenges related to synchronization and frequency compatibility.
Significantly, the newly approved battery-backed power framework will replace earlier plans, including a proposed 300MW coal-fired power plant that was part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. The coal plant was considered excessive for Gwadar’s actual electricity demand and would have resulted in higher costs for consumers. This shift towards a more sustainable and cost-effective solution aligns with the government’s broader energy strategy.
In addition to the Gwadar power project, Minister Leghari shared updates on another major initiative in Balochistan, where the government, in partnership with the provincial authorities, has solarised approximately 28,000 agricultural tube wells over the past eight to nine months. This ambitious project, costing around Rs55 billion, is expected to save the national grid Rs35 to Rs36 billion annually by reducing reliance on conventional electricity sources.
The minister also pointed out that Pakistan is moving towards a competitive electricity market model, where future power procurement will be conducted through competitive suppliers rather than direct government purchases. This transition is aimed at enhancing efficiency and encouraging private sector participation in the energy sector.
Overall, the introduction of the battery-backed power system in Gwadar is seen as a crucial step towards ensuring sustainable development and attracting further investment in the port city. The system’s operationalization by early 2027 is anticipated to mark a significant milestone in stabilizing Gwadar’s power supply, thereby supporting its emergence as a key economic and trade center in the region.
