Kohinoor Energy, Chinese firm plan battery manufacturing in Pakistan

Kohinoor Energy Limited, an independent power producer in Pakistan, and China's Hebei Juhang Energy Technology Group have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore a potential joint venture for battery manufacturing in the country. The companies announced the non-binding agreement on October 1, 2026, to consider assembling and producing lithium-ion batteries and energy storage systems in Pakistan.

Kohinoor Energy maintains a 124 MW power plant in Lahore, which sells electricity to a single customer, the Water and Power Development Authority. The project is currently planned in phases, starting with an annual capacity of roughly 50-100 MWh, expanding to 300-500 MWh, and eventually reaching 700-1,000 MWh depending on market demand, business performance, and agreed conditions.

Pakistan's demand for lithium-ion battery packs and battery energy storage systems (BESS) is growing rapidly, with imports expected to reach 8.75 GWh by 2030. In July 2026, lithium battery imports hit a record high of $88 million, driven by high electricity costs, falling solar prices, and changes to the net billing framework.