Analysis of the italian energy storage industry

Does Italy need electricity storage?

As Italy’s energy mix is increasingly composed of variable renewable energy sources, electricity storage will be needed to integrate power generated by renewables into the national grid and make it available when sun and wind energy are not accessible.

Are battery energy storage systems needed in Italy?

Therefore, battery energy storage systems (BESS) are needed in Italy. The Italian market for BESS is growing rapidly and currently amounts to 2.3 GW but it almost exclusively consists of residential scale systems, associated with small scale solar plants, having a capacity of less than 20 kWh.

How will Italy invest in electricity storage?

Italy will promote investments in utility scale electricity storage to reach at least 70 GWh, and worth over Euro 17 bn, in the next ten years. The new storage capacity will be acquired through tenders published by Terna, the manager of Italy’s high voltage grid. The next tender will be released in 2024.

Does Italy have a strong appetite for battery storage?

Image: TERNA via Twitter. The success of an auction for fast reserve grid services held by Italy’s transmission system operator (TSO) indicates a strong appetite for battery storage, but market rules and regulations need some revision to capture that opportunity.

Does Italy have a national energy and Climate Plan?

To meet the European Union (EU)’s energy and climate greenhouse gas emissions targets by 2030, EU countries need to establish a 10-year integrated national energy and climate plan between 2021 and 2030. Italy has one in place called PNIEC.

How did Italy reduce reliance on Russian natural gas imports in 2022?

Italy in 2022 successfully reduced its reliance on Russian natural gas imports, by signing new contracts with alternative suppliers, making use of the pipeline and LNG infrastructure that it has built up over the last decade.