This report explores both the contracted and merchant revenue landscapes of energy storage projects in Europe, mapping out viable routes to market and assessing existing investment opportunities.
How many battery energy storage systems were installed in Europe in 2024?
21.9 GWh of battery energy storage systems (BESS) was installed in Europe in 2024, marking the eleventh consecutive year of record breaking-installations, and bringing Europe's total battery fleet to 61.1 GWh. However, the annual growth rate slowed down to 15% in 2024, after three consecutive years of doubling newly added capacity.
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.
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.
How can European policymakers help the battery storage sector?
ecomendationsHow can European policymakers help the battery storage sectorBattery storage systems are essential for strengthening the EU's energy security and competitiveness by enhancing flexibility, providing ancillary services to secure the grid, maximising the use of renewable energy, and effectively dealing with energy pr
*In the European Market Outlook for Battery Storage, the Europe region refers to the EU-27 + the UK + Switzerland. Spain analysis from the report Last year Spain installed less than 250 MWh of batteries (14th biggest market in Europe 2024).