To support the increase in flexibility of the energy system and facilitate the energy transition, SolarPower Europe has published a report titled “Flexibility: Strengthening the Grid through Battery Energy Storage and Demand Response.”
Data show that by the end of 2024, the European Union had installed a total of 49.1 GWh of battery storage, and installations are expected to grow by almost 40 percent in 2025. Although total capacity could reach 400 GWh by 2029, this remains significantly below the 780 GWh needed by 2030 to meet the needs of an energy system based on renewable sources.
The publication highlights that the European Commission has acknowledged that grid congestion and delays already cost billions of euros annually. Therefore, SolarPower Europe outlines three key policy recommendations in the document, which together form the pillars of energy system flexibility:
Flexibility in Grid Development
The first step is applying a “flexibility-first” approach in grid planning and development. Transparent and proactive network planning allows for better integration of renewable energy sources and flexible capacities, reduces congestion, and improves the efficiency of grid investments.
More:
- SolarPower Europe launches Agrisolar Policy Map to guide EU strategy
- Expansion of the Grid in Germany – How Many Kilometers of Transmission Lines Are Needed
- Austria’s Largest Battery Storage Facility Commissioned
Unlocking the Full Potential of Demand Response
The second pillar is demand response, a mechanism in which consumers temporarily adjust their electricity consumption in line with system needs. When demand is high and the grid is under pressure, consumers reduce their consumption; when there is an excess of electricity—especially from wind and solar—they increase it. This not only helps stabilize the system but also enables better use of renewable energy.
Battery Energy Storage Systems
The third pillar consists of battery energy storage systems. These systems make it possible to store surplus electricity and use it during periods of high demand. This relieves pressure on the grid, reduces peak loads, and lowers electricity prices. According to estimates, flexibility through batteries and demand response could reduce average day-ahead electricity prices by 25 odsto by 2030, and save the European Union up to €30 billion annually in system costs.
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