Analysis of the prospects of new energy storage in Europe

Are European energy storage systems on the rise?

Europe’s utility-scale energy storage systems (ESS) are on the rise, boasting a robust revenue model. The European large storage market is starting to shape up. According to data from the European Energy Storage Association (EASE), new energy storage installations in Europe reached approximately 4.5GW in 2022.

How much energy storage capacity does the EU need?

These studies point to more than 200 GW and 600 GW of energy storage capacity by 2030 and 2050 respectively (from roughly 60 GW in 2022, mainly in the form of pumped hydro storage). The EU needs a strong, sustainable, and resilient industrial value chain for energy-storage technologies.

How much energy storage will Europe have in 2022?

Many European energy-storage markets are growing strongly, with 2.8 GW (3.3 GWh) of utility-scale energy storage newly deployed in 2022, giving an estimated total of more than 9 GWh. Looking forward, the International Energy Agency (IEA) expects global installed storage capacity to expand by 56% in the next 5 years to reach over 270 GW by 2026.

Why is energy storage important in the EU?

It can also facilitate the electrification of different economic sectors, notably buildings and transport. The main energy storage method in the EU is by far 'pumped hydro' storage, but battery storage projects are rising. A variety of new technologies to store energy are also rapidly developing and becoming increasingly market-competitive.

How big will energy storage be in the EU in 2026?

Looking forward, the International Energy Agency (IEA) expects global installed storage capacity to expand by 56% in the next 5 years to reach over 270 GW by 2026. Different studies have analysed the likely future paths for the deployment of energy storage in the EU.

How important is utility-scale energy storage in Europe?

Among these, utility-scale ESS installations accounted for 2GW, representing 44% of the total power. EASE predicts that in 2023, new European energy storage installations will surpass 6GW, with utility-scale ESS installations expected to be at least 3.5GW. This points to the growing significance of utility-scale energy storage in Europe.