Solar battery storage in EU doubles for three straight years

The European Union (EU) installed 17.2 GWh of new battery storage systems (BESS) in 2023, a 94% increase compared to 2022, marking the third consecutive year of doubling the annual market. This means that the equivalent of 1.7 million more European homes became solar battery powered last year, according to the latest analysis from SolarPower Europe.

By the end of 2023, the EU’s total operating battery storage fleet reached around 36 GWh, with the residential segment accounting for 63% of the capacity, followed by large-scale battery systems (21%), and commercial & industrial systems (9%).

Germany led the way in 2023, deploying 5.9 GWh of storage capacity

Germany kept its leading position, with a 34% share of the EU market, deploying 5.9 GWh last year, up 152% against 2022. Italy followed closely, with a record-breaking 3.7 GWh, an 86% jump, trailed by the United Kingdom, which installed 2.7 GWh, an increase of 91%, according to SolarPower Europe.

Deployment of BESS is expected to continue to grow in 2024, but projections still fall short of the estimated 200 GW of power capacity needed by 2030 to unlock the EU’s solar potential. Between 2025 and 2028, SolarPower Europe predicts a steady but slower growth, of 30-40%.

Despite the expected growth in the coming years, projections fall short of 200 GW target for 2030

The obstacles to faster deployment of BESS in Europe include missing targets, insufficient market signals, double taxation, and restrictive grid policies for hybrid renewable installations.

Policymakers in Europe have focused on batteries for electrifying the automotive industry, but their critical role in the green transition of the power system has been largely overlooked, according to Michael Schmela, Director of Market Intelligence at SolarPower Europe.

SolarPower Europe calls for comprehensive storage strategy

“Flexibility through battery storage isn’t solely a technical matter for regulators and standardization bodies; it demands immediate political attention and prioritization,” Schmela warned.

Given that the growth of renewables relies on clean flexibility sources like batteries, SolarPower Europe is calling for a comprehensive EU electricity storage strategy and a target of 200 GW by 2030, according to a statement from the association.