What are EU energy storage initiatives?

EU energy storage initiatives are a key part of advancing energy security and the transition toward a carbon-neutral economy, improving energy efficiency, and integrating renewable energy sources into electricity systems, and can play an integral role in balancing power grids and saving surplus energy.

When does the EU gas storage regulation expire?

On 5 March 2025, the European Commission proposed a two-year extension of the EU Gas Storage Regulation, originally set to expire at the end of 2025. The proposal, which now requires approval by the European Parliament and the Council, seeks to maintain the existing 90% gas storage filling target for Member States until the end of 2027.

How much energy storage will Europe have in 2022?

Many European energy-storage markets are growing strongly, with 2.8 GW (3.3 GWh) of utility-scale energy storage newly deployed in 2022, giving an estimated total of more than 9 GWh. Looking forward, the International Energy Agency (IEA) expects global installed storage capacity to expand by 56% in the next 5 years to reach over 270 GW by 2026.

How does the EU regulate energy storage?

The EU regulation of energy storage is generally spread across a number of regulatory acts, many of which require implementation at the level of the EU member states.

Why does the EU need a gas storage facility?

The EU’s significant gas storage capacities and EU storage facilities are the main supply source of gas in winter, ensuring 30% of EU winter supply. Enabling companies to purchase and store cheaper gas in summer, when demand is lower in the EU, helps to make energy more affordable for EU citizens.

What is the European Commission doing about energy storage?

The European Commission in 2020 published a study on energy storage, which summarized some previous studies and reports, explored current and potential energy storage markets in Europe, and set out policy and regulatory recommendations for energy storage.