Pakistan Wind Power Curtailment Pushes Projects Toward Collapse, Says FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh

Wind Energy Producers Issue Urgent Rebuttal to ISMO Claims

A consortium of leading wind energy producers in Pakistan has issued an urgent rebuttal to recent claims made by the Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO). The consortium warns that systematic curtailment of wind power plants, which are the most affordable at Rs. 14 per unit, is driving the renewable sector toward financial collapse.

The consortium rejects ISMO’s media statements suggesting no curtailment or effective management. They highlight a flawed compensation mechanism for lost energy, crippling project cash flows. By throttling cheap and clean energy, ISMO compromises national energy security and jeopardizes billions in sustainable investment.

This stance was taken by the F Committee on Renewable Energy at their meeting on 17th March 2026, chaired by Mr. Fawad Jawed.

Immediate Action Demanded

The consortium calls for immediate intervention from the Ministry of Energy and NEPRA:

1. Stop Throttling Cheap Renewable Energy: Adhere to Must Run Policy prioritizing cheap clean energy.
2. Save Plants From Financial Collapse: Reform NPMV Formula to fully compensate wind power plants for lost energy.
3. Full Dispatch Compliance: Shut down expensive RLNG plants, favoring full wind dispatch to protect consumers from rising costs.
4. Redirection to K-Electric: Transfer excess wind energy to the KE grid instead of curtailment.
5. Completion of Transmission Line and Grid Infrastructure: Complete necessary grid, transmission, and ancillary infrastructure.
6. BESS Integration: Authorize wind plants to install Battery Energy Storage Systems for efficient energy storage.
7. Suspension of New Auctions: Halt new wheeling auctions until existing plants are fully utilized and the grid is reinforced.

The consortium’s spokesperson stated that ISMO’s claim of adequate compensation, paying 38% for full readiness, leads to bankruptcy. They demand transparency and a compensation structure reflecting operational realities and debt provider requirements.

This situation is an economic tragedy, forcing Pakistanis to pay for fossil fuels while free wind energy goes unused,” said Brig Iftikhar Opel, SI (M), Retd., Secretary General.