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.

Which energy storage technology is the most popular in Europe?

Pumped hydro is the most widely used technology for energy storage in Europe and worldwide, but batteries and hydrogen have come into the spotlight over the last decade as a recent trend in the energy storage market.

What percentage of Europe's energy storage capacity is pumped hydro?

However, despite an exponential growth in Europe’s battery energy storage capacity, which reached 36 gigawatt-hours in 2023, pumped hydro still accounted for 90 percent of the electricity storage capacity in the European Union that year.

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.

Why should you invest in battery storage in Europe?

In Europe, the capacity of renewable energy sources is growing very rapidly, while traditional power plants are slowly being decommissioned. That’s creating a unique new opportunity for investors amid the emerging demand for battery storage, which provides balance to electricity markets.

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.