Italian energy storage configuration center factory operation

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 much will Italy spend on a centralised electricity storage system?

The European Commission has approved a €17.7 billion ($19.5 billion) Italian scheme to support the construction and operation of a centralised electricity storage system to integrate renewable energy sources into the country’s electricity system.

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.

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.

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.

How will MACSE change energy storage requirements in Italy?

There are stark differences in energy storage requirements across Italy and MACSE procurement targets will adapt to these zonal needs. Most of the new utility-scale storage capacity catalyzed by MACSE will be needed in Southern Italy and the islands, with 16.8 GWh in the South, 13.6 GWh in Sicily, and 10.4 GWh in Sardinia.