The federal government is leaving no stone unturned to make innovation in energy infrastructure of the country by giving commands to the authorities to start work on the Thar coal railway line to Port Qasim. The Government of Pakistan is aiming for completion of this project by December 2025. This strategic project is expected to improve coal transportation efficiency, minimize dependence on expensive imported fuels, and strengthen Pakistan’s energy security.
The government is setting up for a $500 million, 1,000MW battery storage project in the southern region to support the national grid and harness wind energy more effectively. This initiative will improve the stability and reliability of renewable power, addressing fluctuations in energy supply and ensuring a more consistent power distribution system.
The major update regarding the project e was also revealed by Secretary Power Division, Fakhar Alam Irfan, during a briefing to the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Power. Alam clarified that work on the 105-kilometer railway line is under process, with both the federal and Sindh governments looking for its execution.
Meanwhile, discussions are in progress with international financial organizations or bodies, including the World Bank {WB}, Asian Development Bank, and Islamic Development Bank (IDB), to secure funding for the battery storage project. The project intends to utilize the huge wind resources that Pakistan is blessed with, particularly those wind resources that can easily be found in the southern coastal areas. This will help in scaling back power shortages by efficiently storing excess energy for later use.
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To further bolster the country’s energy transmission capacity, the Ministry of Energy has also proposed Rs. 79 billion under the 2025-26 Public Sector Development Program (PSDP). These funds will be allocated for four major energy projects, including the battery storage initiative and three critical transmission lines:
1. Ghazi Barotha Transmission Line – enhancing the distribution of hydropower.
2. North-South Transmission Line – improving connectivity between the northern and southern power grids.
3. Karachi to Central Punjab Transmission Line – ensuring efficient energy flow from generation hubs to demand centers.
The government intends to bring reforms in the energy sector by executing these projects. These reforms will definitely help in minimizing overdependence on fossil fuels, creating the way for a sustainable energy future. If this project is successfully executed, these efforts will create jobs and support energy security for the country leading to economic stability of the country.