The Energy Storage Global Conference 2024 (ESGC), organised in Brussels by EASE – The European Association for Storage of Energy, as a hybrid event, on 15 – 17 October, gathered over 400 energy storage stakeholders and covered energy storage policies, markets, and technologies.

Experts from across the energy industry emphasise the importance of energy storage to enhance grid flexibility, support renewable integration, and promote industry decarbonisation.

Throughout the conference, speakers emphasised that energy storage is no longer a secondary technology but a central enabler of Europe’s future energy system. Various energy storage technologies were identified as critical for providing flexibility at different time intervals, from daily to seasonal.

David Post, EASE President and Head of Global Integrated BD at Enel X, highlighted the growing investment in energy storage across Europe. “We’re witnessing unprecedented levels of investment, with countries betting big on energy storage as a key enabler of the energy transition,” he said. “As costs continue to decline, the potential for energy storage by 2030 is truly transformative.”

Experts agreed that energy storage will be crucial for balancing the increasing share of renewable energy on the grid while maintaining the security of supply. Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, MEP at the European Parliament, pointed out, “Storage is fundamental for ensuring the security of supply and providing the flexibility needed to fully decarbonise our electricity systems.”

The conference also addressed the regulatory hurdles that still impede the rapid deployment of energy storage. Although Europe has made significant progress, issues around financing, permitting delays, and market design remain key challenges. Julia Majewska, Case Handler Officer at the European Commission, stated, “Public support can play a role, but it must be carefully designed to avoid distorting competition. It’s crucial that it complements regulatory reforms rather than replacing them.”

Hybrid energy storage projects, combining renewable energy sources with storage, were another focal point of the discussions. The co-location of energy storage systems with renewable generation, particularly solar and wind, was identified as an efficient way to optimise infrastructure and streamline project permitting. However, speakers noted that such hybrid setups require careful design and management to ensure long-term success.

Piotr Szymański, Director of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), highlighted the transformative role of prosumers—individuals who both consume and produce energy—in Europe’s energy system. He emphasised that integrating energy storage at the household and local level could unlock new efficiencies and drive deeper grid decarbonisation.

The issue of grid congestion was raised by several participants, who highlighted the increasing need for storage to support Europe’s energy infrastructure. Energy storage was praised for its potential to ease grid congestion, reduce curtailment of renewable energy, and provide multiple services to the grid while reducing overall costs.

Catherine Vigneron, representing CEN-CENELEC, reinforced the need for standardised safety regulations, noting that while for example battery safety standards exist, their use remains voluntary within the European Union. She urged policymakers to prioritise the adoption of these standards to ensure uniform safety across the region.

Michael Lippert, Director Innovation and Solutions at SAFT, summarised the sentiment across the energy sector: “Energy storage is no longer optional—it’s an essential part of a resilient and decarbonised energy system. Without storage, Europe’s renewable energy targets are at risk.”

The event concluded with a call for greater collaboration between policymakers, industry leaders, and investors to accelerate the deployment of energy storage. Removing financial and regulatory barriers, as well as fostering innovation, were identified as key to unlocking the full potential of energy storage and ensuring its critical role in Europe’s decarbonisation journey.

To learn more about the ESGC, visit www.esgc.org