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.

How many energy storage projects are there in Europe?

The European Energy Storage Inventory provides impressive figures on the current state of energy storage capacities in Europe. According to the platform, 905 projects with a total output of 66 gigawatts are currently in operation.

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.

What is the largest energy storage project in Europe?

Particularly noteworthy is the ambitious project in Alfeld (Lower Saxony), which is considered the largest approved storage project in Europe with a performance of 137.5 megawatts and a storage capacity of 275 megawatt hours.

How does the European energy storage inventory work?

The European Energy Storage Inventory records projects in 32 European countries and categorizes them according to various criteria. Central classification takes place according to the project status, whereby a distinction is made between plants in operation, announced projects, approved projects, plants under construction and inactive projects.

Why should EU countries consider the 'consumer-producer' role of energy storage?

It addresses the most important issues contributing to the broader deployment of energy storage. EU countries should consider the double 'consumer-producer' role of storage by applying the EU electricity regulatory framework and by removing barriers, including avoiding double taxation and facilitating smooth permitting procedures.