Italian heavy industry energy storage cabinet

Why is energy storage important in Italy?

In addition, electricity storage is critical to avoid congestion in the power grid since most of the renewable production originates in Southern Italy but is consumed mostly in the north. Therefore, PNIEC also provides for the installation of new energy storage infrastructure with the aim of reaching 22.5 GW of installed storage capacity by 2030.

Does Italy need electricity storage?

As Italy’s energy mix is increasingly composed of variable renewable energy sources, electricity storage will be needed to integrate power generated by renewables into the national grid and make it available when sun and wind energy are not accessible.

Are battery energy storage systems needed in Italy?

Therefore, battery energy storage systems (BESS) are needed in Italy. The Italian market for BESS is growing rapidly and currently amounts to 2.3 GW but it almost exclusively consists of residential scale systems, associated with small scale solar plants, having a capacity of less than 20 kWh.

How will Italy invest in electricity storage?

Italy will promote investments in utility scale electricity storage to reach at least 70 GWh, and worth over Euro 17 bn, in the next ten years. The new storage capacity will be acquired through tenders published by Terna, the manager of Italy’s high voltage grid. The next tender will be released in 2024.

How will Italy develop utility-scale electricity storage facilities?

To develop utility-scale electricity storage facilities, the Italian Government set up a scheme that was approved by the European Commission at the end of 2023. Italy will promote investments in utility scale electricity storage to reach at least 70 GWh, and worth over Euro 17 bn, in the next ten years.

How many storage systems are there in Italy?

More in detail, 311,189 storage systems were present in Italy in mid- 2023, with a total power of 2,329 MW and a maximum capacity of 3,946 MWh. Terna (the high voltage grid operator) also holds systems totaling 60 MW in power and 250 MWh in capacity.