ISLAMABAD - Pakistan is set to add 3,787MW power capacity in FY2026-27, primarily from hydropower and solar energy, increasing total installed capacity to over 50,000MW. Renewables are expected to contribute more than half of the national generation mix by June next year.
A total of 3,787.24MW is expected to be added, including a major contribution of 1,476.14MW from solar net metering and 1,960MW from hydel generation, according to the Annual Plan FY 2026-27. These additions will raise the cumulative installed generation capacity to 50,062.6MW by June 2027. At that point, the generation mix is projected to comprise approximately 50.9 percent from renewable sources (including hydel, solar, solar net-metering, wind, and bagasse) and 49 percent from thermal sources (including coal, gas, RLNG, oil, and nuclear).
Transmission Sector Expansion
By the end of June 2027, the transmission sector will be boosted with a cumulative capacity of 2,400 MVA, 32,250 MVA, 45,500 MVA, and 6,376.6 MVA on 765kV, 500kV, 220kV, and HVDC grids, respectively. Transmission lines on these voltage levels will be extended by 9,418.394 km (500kV), 12,267.82 km (220kV), and 1,023 km (±660kV). Additionally, one new grid station will be established at 765kV, one at 500kV, and two at 220kV.
Distribution System Enhancements
Regarding distribution system enhancements, the plan states that focused investments in the power distribution sector are planned. During FY2026-27, these initiatives will enable DISCOs to electrify 15,327 villages and add 1,689,849 new consumer connections. As a result, electricity access will be significantly expanded in both urban and rural areas. In support of these objectives, the distribution network will be strengthened through the extension of 799.5 km of 132 kV transmission lines, while the capacity of 132 kV grids will be enhanced by 2,087 MVA. The number of net metering consumers is also expected to grow by 123,541, increasing the share of renewable energy in total final energy consumption and supporting grid stability.
Grid Stability and Reliability Initiatives
New initiatives during FY2026-27 for grid stability and reliability include the deployment of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and 400 MVAR Reactive Power Compensation Devices STATCOMs in the NGC network to improve grid flexibility and resilience. This aligns with URAAN Pakistan’s resilient infrastructure priority as well as NEP 2023-27, which also emphasizes modernizing infrastructure. Similarly, construction of a 500 kV transmission line from Ghazi Barotha to Faisalabad West has been initiated by NGC to remove transmission system constraints for reliable dispersal of power (2,300 MW) from upcoming hydropower projects (Tarbela 5th Extension and Dasu HPPs) in the northern part of the NGC network to load centers in the mid-country for optimal power dispersal. Additionally, Ewing Hall is to be restored as a heritage building.
