Why europe doesn t develop energy storage on a large scale

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.

Is energy storage a good investment in Europe?

Compared to classic renewables, energy storage has really only become an investable asset in Europe over the last few years on the back of technology advances, market price signals, and government support mechanisms.

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 by 2050?

Overall, total energy storage in Europe is expected to increase to about 375 gigawatts by 2050, from 15 gigawatts last year, according to BloombergNEF. We spoke with Grebien about electricity market trends, energy storage technologies, as well as the investment and financing opportunities emerging from these technologies.