Are batteries and hydrogen the future of energy storage?

Historically, the most widely used technology for energy storage worldwide has been pumped hydropower. But with costs on a downward trend, batteries and hydrogen are currently in the spotlight. In Europe, installed battery storage capacity is projected to grow nearly sixfold in the next decade.

Why is battery storage important?

In the power sector, battery storage supports transitions away from unabated coal and natural gas, while increasing the efficiency of power systems by reducing losses and congestion in electricity grids. In other sectors, clean electrification enabled by batteries is critical to reduce the use of oil, natural gas and coal. IEA. Licence: CC BY 4.0

Are battery storage and solar PV cost competitive?

Antonio Arruebo, Market Analyst at SolarPower Europe said, “ Over the past decade, decreasing investment costs for battery storage, driven by technological advancements, economies of scale, and lower raw material prices, have significantly enhanced the cost competitiveness of solar PV paired with battery storage.

What is behind-the-meter battery storage?

A significant part is behind-the-meter battery storage paired with rooftop solar PV, including many individual batteries aggregated into virtual power plants, as it becomes an increasingly attractive option for consumers in a world of broadly stable or rising retail electricity prices.

Can battery storage be built in a year?

To deliver this, battery storage deployment must continue to increase by an average of 25% per year to 2030, which will require action from policy makers and industry, taking advantage of the fact that battery storage can be built in a matter of months and in most locations. IEA. Licence: CC BY 4.0 IEA. Licence: CC BY 4.0