Energy storage of central and european significance

Why is energy storage important?

Energy storage is a crucial technology to provide the necessary flexibility, stability, and reliability for the energy system of the future. System flexibility is particularly needed in the EU’s electricity system, where the share of renewable energy is estimated to reach around 69% by 2030 and 80% by 2050.

How can energy storage help the EU develop a low-carbon electricity system?

ENER Working Paper The future role and challenges of Energy StorageEnergy storage will play a ey role in enabling the EU to develop a low-carbon electricity system. Energy storage can supply more flexibility and balan ing to the grid, providing a back-up to intermittent renewable energy. Locally, it can improve the manage

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.

Does the EU need a comprehensive approach to energy storage?

There must be a comprehensive approach to energy storage at EU level. The report calls on the European Commission to develop a comprehensive strategy on energy storage covering all technologies.

What does the European Commission say about energy storage?

The Commission adopted in March 2023 a list of recommendations to ensure greater deployment of energy storage, accompanied by a staff working document, providing an outlook of the EU’s current regulatory, market, and financing framework for storage and identifies barriers, opportunities and best practices for its development and deployment.

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.