Energy Storage at the Service of Evolving Energy Systems and Renewables Integration

Energy storage is one of the important elements in the energy system contributing to the needed flexibility and security. It is widely recognized as a means of enabling increased penetration of renewable energy, therefore supporting energy security and climate change goals. In addition, energy storage can supply more flexibility and balancing to the grid, providing a back-up to intermittent renewable energy from sun and wind. 

Energy storage includes a large set of both centralised and distributed technologies that enable to better integrate our electricity and heat systems. Recent research and development efforts have led to significant cost reductions in energy storage technologies, although additional efforts are needed in order to sustain this trend and to increase existing storage capacities and efficiencies. The International Energy Agency estimates that in order to sustain the decarbonisation of the electricity sector, 310 GW of additional grid-connected electricity storage capacity would be needed in the United States, Europe, China and India. In this new scenario, storage provides also new services to electricity generators and consumers, allowing for the generation of new revenues.

Europe has always been a laboratory for renewable development. This workshop will provide an overview on the general EU policies and market context that is shaping the energy storage sector, as well as the barriers that still have to be lifted. The workshop will also look at the numerous technologies and engineering solutions that have been developed and tested in Europe to integrate storage in the current energy system.