German energy storage policies and regulations

Does Germany need energy storage systems?

While around 254 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity were generated from renewable energy in Germany in 2022, 600 TWh of electricity are expected to come from renewable sources by 2030. Germany is particularly dependent on a market ramp-up of energy storage systems, especially battery storage systems. What role do energy storage systems play?

Are electricity storage facilities legal in Germany?

There is no separate legislation on electricity storage facilities in Germany. German law regards electricity storage facilities as consumers of electricity.

What is Germany's Energy Policy Review?

This Energy Policy Review was prepared in partnership between the Government of Germany and the IEA. It draws on the IEA's extensive knowledge and the inputs of expert peers from IEA Member countries to assess Germany’s most pressing energy sector challenges and provide recommendations on how to address them, backed by international best practices.

Should energy storage systems be included in Germany's power plant strategy?

The power plant strategy for hydrogen-capable power plants recently presented by the German government also emphasises that storage systems should be included. Exemption from grid charges The BMWK's comments express sympathy for the continuation of the current grid fee exemptions for energy storage systems.

Do battery storage systems need a permit in Germany?

In Germany, in most cases, neither environmental nor energy industry permits are required for battery storage system alone, though it must comply with the regulation on electromagnetic fields (26. BImSchV). Battery storage systems must be registered in the market master database (Marktstammdatenregister).

What is Germany's electricity storage capacity?

They still make up the largest share of the electricity storage capacity in Germany; about 30 projects commissioned between 1926 and 2004 provide a total capacity of about 7 GW. The majority are operated by utilities and they principally provide time-shifted electricity supply and balancing energy.