SolarPower Europe has today launched the Battery Storage Europe Platform, a major new initiative to drive forward the business case and regulatory framework for battery storage across the European Union.
The Battery Storage Europe Platform is calling for there to be 10 times more battery storage by 2030 to sustain the growth of solar and other renewable energy developments.
The platform was launched with support from founding strategic partners, including Renewable Energy Insurance Broker, Statkraft, and Sunotec. More than 50 representatives from leading battery storage companies joined the hybrid kick-off strategy day (pictured) in Brussels.
Juhi Dion Sud has been appointed as the new head of the platform. She has practised trade law in Brussels for nearly two decades and specialises in EU and international trade defence laws, WTO law, EU regulatory and customs laws.
Dion Sud said: “Battery storage is no longer optional – it is essential. Without urgent action, the EU risks stalling its energy transition. We are calling for a tenfold increase in battery storage by 2030. This is vital to sustain the rapid growth of solar and other renewables, and to ensure the EU’s energy security, resilience and competitiveness.”
As a dedicated advocacy organisation for battery storage technology, the platform will represent the interests of the sector at the EU level. Concretely, this means facilitating engagement with policymakers, delivering constructive legislative trade and investment frameworks for battery storage manufacturing and deployment.
The new platform seeks to fill the gap of specific representation for battery storage companies in the EU. As the leading EU voice for solar – the sector driving significant demand for battery storage – SolarPower Europe says it is well placed to connect its deep network to the new platform and the era of solar, storage, and flexibility.
Dion Sud continued: “The EU currently has just over 50GWh of battery energy storage systems (BESS). To stay on track for the 2030 renewables targets, this must increase to between 500 and 780GWh. Our core ask: 10 times more battery storage in five years.”
SolarPower Europe chief executive Walburga Hemetsberger said: “Solar and storage are the perfect pair. As solar installations soar across Europe, battery storage must grow at the same pace.
“We’re delighted to welcome Juhi Dion Sud to lead this platform – she brings over 20 years of legal and strategic experience, with a strong focus on EU and international trade policy.”
Participation in the Battery Storage Europe Platform is open to members of SolarPower Europe. Strategic partnership opportunities are also available for organisations interested in taking a leading role in the work of the platform.