Europe's energy storage capacity is expected to hit 100 GW this year, with projections to more than double by 2030.

Energy storage in Europe has been rapidly growing since 2020, with the total capacity in the EU, UK, Norway, and Switzerland projected to hit 100 GW by the end of November. Pumped hydro storage leads with 50.6 GW, followed by batteries at 44.8 GW, according to an analysis by LCP Delta and Energy Storage Europe.

All energy storage technologies combined are expected to increase by 115% to 215 GW by 2030, growing at a pace of 20 GW to 25 GW annually, as reported in the European Market Monitor on Energy Storage. As of November 1, the total stood at 99.3 GW.

This year, battery storage has outpaced pumped hydro, adding 4 GW of new utility-scale installations, and is anticipated to rise to 163 GW by 2030. Of the 44.8 GW of battery capacity, grid-connected large-scale systems represent 17 GW, while customer-side systems make up 27.8 GW.

The report indicates that 18 million homes have solar systems, with four million having battery storage. Residential battery sales are stabilizing after a peak in 2022-2023, with a recovery predicted from 2027 due to a rebounding PV market, increased electrification in homes and transport, dynamic tariffs, and new financing models.

Germany leads in home battery systems with 2.1 million, followed by Italy (780,000), the UK (280,000), Austria (200,000), and Belgium (160,000).

Jacopo Tosoni, Head of Policy at Energy Storage Europe, described energy storage as the fastest-growing clean technology in Europe, potentially boosting its competitiveness. Silvestros Vlachopoulos from LCP Delta noted that reaching 100 GW is a pivotal moment for the industry, paving the way for accelerated renewable energy growth in the years ahead.

LCP Delta and Energy Storage Europe assert that the energy storage sector is just beginning and will significantly aid Europe's energy transition.