LAHORE, October 29, 2026: The Punjab government has decided to develop a comprehensive plan for supplying affordable and reliable electricity to industrial estates, with proposed battery energy storage projects aimed at reducing energy costs and supporting industrial growth.
The decision was taken during a meeting jointly chaired by Punjab Minister for Industries and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain and Energy Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar at the Energy Department headquarters in Lahore.
The Industries and Commerce Department and the Energy Department agreed to coordinate efforts to improve electricity availability and affordability for industrial units across the province.
A technical committee comprising representatives of both departments and PFAS will be established to examine available options and prepare a comprehensive plan for affordable electricity supply.
Battery storage projects proposed for industrial estates
The meeting reviewed proposals to introduce Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) at selected industrial estates to improve power supply reliability and reduce energy-related costs.
Officials discussed pilot projects at Quaid-e-Azam Business Park in Sheikhupura and industrial estates in Rahim Yar Khan and Vehari.
According to the briefing, the proposed battery energy storage projects would have a combined capacity of 32.5 megawatts.
The proposed electricity supply model envisages 12 hours of off-grid operation and 12 hours of electricity supply from the national grid.
The PFAS team briefed participants on the technical aspects of the proposed pilot projects.
Punjab ministers emphasise industrial growth
Speaking at the meeting, Energy Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar said providing affordable and reliable electricity to industrial areas was a priority for the provincial government.
He expressed optimism that battery energy storage technology would help stabilise electricity supply to industrial units and improve productivity.
The minister assured participants that the Energy Department would extend full cooperation to support industries and help reduce their energy costs.
Minister for Industries and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain said affordable electricity was essential for accelerating industrial development and strengthening the province’s manufacturing sector.
He said the Industries and Commerce Department would work closely with the Energy Department to facilitate the implementation of proposed energy projects.
Shafay Hussain also assured that the necessary land would be provided for establishing power projects within industrial estates.
Both departments agreed to address administrative and technical matters jointly to facilitate implementation.
Secretary Energy Muhammad Ajmal Bhatti, Special Secretary Industries Nosheen Malik, Punjab Industrial Estates Development and Management Company Chairman Shahzad Azam, chief executive officers of energy companies and other officials attended the meeting.