Based on its own market research, European solar and storage industry association SolarPower Europe has called on the European Commission to develop a special action plan for battery storage. The association estimates that capacity will need to increase tenfold by 2030 if Europe is to achieve its own energy, security, and competitiveness targets.
Grid congestion costs billions of euros
Meanwhile, the European Commission has acknowledged that grid congestion and delays alone cost around 4.3 billion euros in 2023 and that grid tariffs are likely to become the dominant component of electricity bills by 2030. Without a coordinated strategy for flexibility and battery storage, SolarPower Europe warns that the benefits of the energy transition in terms of affordability, security, and competitiveness could be undermined.
Capacity in 2029 still 50 percent short
Over the past ten years, the price of battery storage has fallen by 75 percent. According to SolarPower Europe, battery storage systems with a total capacity of 18.5 gigawatt-hours were installed in the European Union in 2024, bringing the total capacity to 49.1 gigawatt-hours. Growth in battery storage installations of almost 40 percent to 25.7 gigawatt-hours is expected for 2025. By 2029, total capacity will reach 400 gigawatt-hours, which is still well below the 780 gigawatt-hours that are said to be needed by 2030 to meet the flexibility requirements of a system based on renewable energy.
“European battery production a priority”
SolarPower Europe is therefore calling on Europe to introduce approval regulations that facilitate the retrofitting of existing renewable energy plants with battery storage systems. According to the association, a corresponding action plan must ensure that grid tariffs reward the system value created by battery storage systems instead of penalizing them with double charges. In addition, markets for grid stability have to be developed which provide grid-forming services from battery storage manufacturers. SolarPower Europe claims it is urgently necessary to give priority to European battery production and to establish clear, harmonized safety and quality standards for the entire continent.
Platform brings stakeholders together
SolarPower Europe is considered a leader in the field of battery storage in Europe. In July 2025, the association launched the “Battery Storage Europe” platform which brings together industry leaders from across the battery storage value chain to promote its economic viability and regulatory framework throughout the EU. The initiative is supported by industry players EDP Renewables, Renewable Energy Insurance Broker, Statkraft, and Sunotec as strategic partners.
Source:
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