EU rushes to store energy

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.

What is the European Commission doing about energy storage?

The European Commission in 2020 published a study on energy storage, which summarized some previous studies and reports, explored current and potential energy storage markets in Europe, and set out policy and regulatory recommendations for energy storage.

Why does the European Union need gas storage?

"The European Union needs stable energy supplies at affordable prices to prosper. Gas storage is a key contributor to our security of supply and market stability. It also protects us from Russia's energy weaponisation and market manipulation," said EU energy commissioner Dan Jorgensen.

Should energy storage be regulated in Europe?

As renewable energy continues to expand in Europe, energy storage must keep pace to ensure the grid remains flexible and stable. The Energy Storage Coalition urges the European Commission to develop an Action Plan on Energy Storage, providing much-needed regulatory clarity and supporting Member States in scaling up energy storage capacity.

Will Europe really need more energy storage?

But rolling out energy storage at the scale needed will require more EU help, advocates say. Today, Europe has around 85 gigawatts of energy storage systems in place, said Tosoni, the industry lobbyist.

How does the EU regulate energy storage?

The EU regulation of energy storage is generally spread across a number of regulatory acts, many of which require implementation at the level of the EU member states.