The European Union’s ambitious renewable energy targets and the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions have created a perfect storm for battery storage technology. A dedicated advocacy organisation, the Battery Storage Europe Platform, has been launched to facilitate engagement with policymakers and drive legislative change to support the development and deployment of battery storage across the continent.

Market Growth and Forecasts

The industry has been experiencing rapid growth, with cumulative battery storage installations across all market segments reaching around 61GWh in the EU. This represents a significant increase from the 50GWh within the EU in 2024, with annual installations forecast to reach 118GWh by 2029, according to SolarPower Europe’s report, ‘European Market Outlook for Battery Storage 2025-2029.’

• 21.9GWh of battery energy storage systems (BESS) were deployed across Europe in 2024, with 18.5GWh in the EU.
• The industry has marked the 11th consecutive year of record-breaking growth.
• SolarPower Europe analysts forecast that the medium-growth scenario could see annual installations reach 118GWh by 2029.

Challenges and Targets

While the industry growth is encouraging, SolarPower Europe highlights that the installed base of 344GWh by 2029 represents only a 45% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). This falls short of what is needed to meet the EU’s ambitious renewable energy targets. The European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive sets a binding target of at least 42.5% of the EU’s energy supply to come from renewable sources by 2030. However, integrating the greatly increased share of renewables in the energy sector – responsible for more than 75% of the EU’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions – would require between 500GWh and 780GWh of storage. “Battery storage is no longer optional – it is essential. Without urgent action, the EU risks stalling its energy transition,” said Juhi Dion Sud, head of the Battery Storage Europe Platform.

Platform and Partnerships

The Battery Storage Europe Platform has launched with over 50 member organisations, including four strategic partners: Norwegian government-owned power generator Statkraft, international insurance broker Renewable Energy Insurance Broker (REIB), solar PV plant solutions company SUNOTEC, and Portuguese electricity generator, distribution and supply company EDP.

“Battery storage is no longer optional – it is essential. Without urgent action, the EU risks stalling its energy transition,” said Juhi Dion Sud, head of the Battery Storage Europe Platform.

Call to Action

The platform is calling for a tenfold increase in battery storage by 2030. This is vital to sustain the rapid growth of solar and other renewables, and to ensure the EU’s energy security, resilience, and competitiveness. The industry growth perspective is encouraging, but the challenges and targets are clear. The EU must take urgent action to support the development and deployment of battery storage technology to meet its ambitious renewable energy targets and ensure a sustainable energy future.

Conclusion

The Battery Storage Europe Platform is a vital step towards ensuring the EU’s energy transition is on track. With the support of its member organisations and partners, the platform will facilitate engagement with policymakers and drive legislative change to support the development and deployment of battery storage technology across the continent. The industry growth perspective is encouraging, but the challenges and targets are clear. The EU must take urgent action to support the development and deployment of battery storage technology to meet its ambitious renewable energy targets and ensure a sustainable energy future.