European Commission Loosens State Aid Rules for Energy Storage
European Commission Loosens State Aid Rules for Energy Storage
The European Commission adopted a renewed version of the Temporary Crisis and Transition Frameworkin line with the European Commission’s Green Deal Industrial Plan on 9 March 2023. The general purpose of the Framework is to temporarily loosen EU State Aid rules in order to allow Member States to accelerate the funding of the net-zero transition in response to the economic impacts of Russia’s war in Ukraine and the US Inflation Reduction Act.
The Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework is complemented by more targeted and permanent changes to the General Block Exemption Rules (GBER), which allow the European Commission to suspend reporting requirements on select energy storage installations.
The EASE Secretariat prepared a briefing on the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework with a focus on the state aid relevant to the energy storage industry. An additional short brief presents the European Commission’s targeted amendments to the General Block Exemption state aid rules (GBER).
The European Association for Storage of Energy (EASE) is glad to extend a warm welcome to its newest member Aarhus University – who joined EASE in February 2020.
18.04.2023 /
The Critical Raw Materials Act Briefing
The Critical Raw Materials Act Briefing
The European Union proposed the Critical Raw Materials (CRM) Act on 16 March 2023. The CRM Act focuses on identifying and mapping the supply and demand of critical and strategic raw materials of which some are used in the development of energy storage technologies and developing sustainable and responsible sourcing strategies. The CRM Act also aims to reduce Europe’s dependence on imports of critical raw materials and promote the recycling and reuse of these materials to minimize waste and environmental impact. Ultimately, it is intended to ensure a secure and sustainable supply of raw materials, thereby supporting the growth of the EU’s green economy and its efforts to mitigate climate change.
Together with an overview of the accompanying documentation, the EASE Secretariat prepared the analysis of the Act and its potential impact on the energy storage industry.
EASE has published an updated version of its brief analysis on 29 June 2023, which you can access below.
The European Association for Storage of Energy (EASE) is glad to extend a warm welcome to its newest member Aarhus University – who joined EASE in February 2020.
05.04.2023 /
The Net-Zero Industrial Act: Analysis of Proposed Measures to Foster Cleantech Manufacturing in Europe
The Net-Zero Industrial Act: Analysis of Proposed Measures to Foster Cleantech Manufacturing in Europe
The Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA), announced by the European Commission on 16 March 2023, aims to increase the EU’s domestic manufacturing capacity of cleantech equipment. The NZIA streamlines permitting procedures, incentivizes public procurement of cleantech, ensures a skilled workforce, and fosters innovation through regulatory sandboxes. The act also creates a list of eight key technologies to achieve the EU’s climate targets, with batteries and energy storage included. The NZIA establishes that the EU’s manufacturing capacity of strategic net-zero technologies should be at least 40% of the Union’s annual deployment needs by 2030.
The EASE policy team has worked on this dossier to understand what the impact on the energy storage system will be and prepared an in-depth analysis for the EASE members.
The European Association for Storage of Energy (EASE) is glad to extend a warm welcome to its newest member Aarhus University – who joined EASE in February 2020.
23.03.2023 /
Welcome on Board Elpedison
Welcome on Board Elpedison
The European Association for Storage of Energy (EASE) is glad to extend a warm welcome to its newest member Elpedison who joined EASE in February 2023. Mrs Katerina Karali Regulatory and Business Development Director at Elpedison, accepted to discuss with us the expertise of Elpedison, in energy storage and expectations from this collaboration with EASE.
EASE: Mrs Katerina Karali, thank you very much for accepting this interview. We are very really happy to have Elpedison among our members and we would like to know more about your activities in the sector. Could you summarise the most interesting insights from the work of your company for energy storage?
I would like to thank you for the warm welcome and for giving us this opportunity to speak about our activities in the sector. We are very pleased to join EASE and we look forward to working with you to promote energy storage and support your mission. ELPEDISON is the result of the joint venture between HELLENiQ ENERGY, one of the largest commercial and industrial energy Groups in South-East Europe and Edison, the longest-running electricity production utility in Europe and one of the largest in Italy. We are a leading energy company in the production & supply of electricity and the supply of natural gas.
We have a storage license for a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to be located in Central Greece and we are actively seeking to expand our portfolio. We are also exploring the potential of other storage technologies focusing especially in long duration options, finding suitable partners and pilot projects to participate in.
EASE: We look forward to a very fruitful collaboration with you and to receive Elpedison inputs for our Working Groups and Task Forces. What created the interest from your company to join EASE?
EASE is the leading member – supported energy storage association in Europe representing companies and organisations across the sector’s entire value chain. We believe that EASE is an excellent vehicle to support the deployment of energy storage in Europe and we wanted to be part of this effort. EASE provides a great communication and learning platform that allows members exchange experiences, insights and ideas. Working together with all the leading energy storage companies in Europe is definitely beneficial, while we can contribute in shaping the sector’s future. EASE also provides a variety of services and tools, such as advocacy, market intelligence, the latest policy regulations and information sharing which are very useful and tailor made to our needs.
EASE: What is your vision for how energy storage can contribute to the energy transition?
Energy storage is expected to play a key role in the transition towards carbon neutrality by supporting the deployment of higher shares of renewables to the grid. This though needs to be done in a reliable manner which requires both technological evolution and regulatory framework adaptation. Energy storage has the capability to provide a variety of grid services such as flexibility, fast-response ancillary services and grid congestion management. Using energy storage to balance power grids through the provision of ancillary services increases the flexibility of the power system and helps integrate more renewables especially storage of long duration type. Deploying energy storage can defer the need for new investments in grid infrastructure by meeting peak demand with stored energy, reduce grid congestion and improve the utilization of the assets.
Become a Member
Don’t miss any policy updates and benefit of special discounts for EASE events. Get premium access to all our services and shape the future of the energy system!
The European Association for Storage of Energy (EASE) is glad to extend a warm welcome to its newest member Aarhus University – who joined EASE in February 2020.
31.03.2023 /
The Electricity Market Design Revision's Impact on Security of Supply, Flexibility, and Energy Storage
The Electricity Market Design Revision’s Impact on Security of Supply, Flexibility, and Energy Storage
The European Commission presented its proposed changes to the Electricity Market Design on 14 March 2023. Although the scope of the proposal is limited, it has the potential to significantly affect the energy storage industry. The proposal aims to maintain the current price signals and overall framework of day-ahead and intraday markets while introducing some adjustments, striking a good balance between public involvement and market-based mechanisms. The main goals of the proposal are to promote investments in renewable energy and flexibility, minimize energy price volatility, and safeguard consumers against price spikes. The main provisions that will potentially affect the energy storage sector are thoroughly analysed in this document, trying to also identify potential areas of improvement.
This analysis also include the European Commission Recommendation on Energy Storage, which builds upon the European Commission Staff Working Document on Energy Storage, which recognises that “energy storage can play a crucial role in the current and future energy system”. The Recommendation complements the Electricity Market Design revision.
The European Association for Storage of Energy (EASE) is glad to extend a warm welcome to its newest member Aarhus University – who joined EASE in February 2020.
17.03.2023 /
The Electricity Market Design Revision and the European Commission’s Work on Energy Storage
The Electricity Market Design Revision and the European Commission’s Work on Energy Storage
On 14 March 2023, the European Commission published a proposal and staff working document related to the Electricity Market Design revision, as well as four documents related to energy storage: The Staff Working Document on Energy Storage, The European Commission Recommendation on Energy Storage, The ENTEC Study on energy storage and The Joint Research Center study on Europe’s flexibility needs.
EASE policy team has prepared a new in-depth analysis for the EASE members on how energy-related initiatives presented by the European Commission on the 14th of March 2023 will impact the flexibility and energy storage sector.
The European Association for Storage of Energy (EASE) is glad to extend a warm welcome to its newest member Aarhus University – who joined EASE in February 2020.
14.11.2022 /
Laying Down a Framework to Accelerate the Deployment of Renewable Energy
Laying Down a Framework to Accelerate the Deployment of Renewable Energy
EASE has prepared a short briefing on the Commission’s emergency proposal for a Council Regulation addressing the acceleration of permitting for renewable energy installations in the EU. This emergency proposal was released on 9 November 2022 and seeks to fill the gap of immediacy accelerating permitting while Renewable Energy Directive III and other REPowerEU policies continue to be negotiated next year.
The proposal specifically includes energy storage co-located with solar energy installations in permitting acceleration and places energy storage in the overriding public interest which serves public health and safety.
The European Association for Storage of Energy (EASE) is glad to extend a warm welcome to its newest member Aarhus University – who joined EASE in February 2020.
31.10.2022 /
Policy Options to Mitigate the Impact of Natural Gas Prices on Electricity Bill
Policy Options to Mitigate the Impact of Natural Gas Prices on Electricity Bill
EASE has prepared a short briefing on the non-paper addressing policy options to mitigate the impact of natural gas prices on electricity bill. This Commission non-paper is published in response to the European Council on 20 October 2022 calling on the Commission to submit concrete decisions on steps to address the EU energy market, particularly options for an EU gas price cap mechanism.
The non-paper lays out possible options for the Commission in a cost-benefit analysis of a cap in recognition of not modifying the merit order of electricity generation, to prevent increase in gas consumption, to address financial and distributional effects and to address the flow of gas beyond EU borders.
The European Association for Storage of Energy (EASE) is glad to extend a warm welcome to its newest member Aarhus University – who joined EASE in February 2020.
19.09.2022 /
The Long and Short of It: Long Duration Energy Storage for Europe’s Future
The Long and Short of It: Long Duration Energy Storage for Europe’s Future
On 15 September 2022, EASE together with Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) Council co-organised a webinar “The Long and Short of It: Long Duration Energy Storage for Europe’s Future” to discuss long duration energy storage for Europe’s future.
Experts from the LDES Council and EASE presented the most recent reports, storage targets, and learnings of companies based in Europe who are leading the way for long duration energy storage.
Panellists discussed their viewpoints on Europe’s clean energy future and how storage provides flexibility and stability both with renewable energy sources and without.
The European Association for Storage of Energy (EASE) is glad to extend a warm welcome to its newest member Aarhus University – who joined EASE in February 2020.
24.09.2021 /
CBAM and ETS: Impact on Energy Storage
CBAM and ETS: Impact on Energy Storage
With the Fit for 55 Package, the European Commission has published an ambitious set of measures: among these, the Emission Trading System (ETS) revision and the new Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). EASE has prepared an analysis on what does the CBAM mean for the energy storage sector, as well as, revision of the EU ETS and its goals set for 2030.
While the former isn’t disruptive of the previous situation, despite including new sectors as road transport, buildings, and maritime transport, as well as strengthening the aviation carbon market, the latter represents a novelty in global trade.
The new CBAM will include imports of electricity, iron, aluminium, steel, certain fertilisers, and cement: after an transitional phase between 2023 and 2025, it should be fully implemented for all imports from all countries not covered by the EU ETS; moreover, the general layout of the compliance procedure will follow that of the ETS.
The analysis provided in these reports highlights the most relevant sections of these legislative instruments, alongside a provisional assessment of the impact they will have on the storage sector.
The European Association for Storage of Energy (EASE) is glad to extend a warm welcome to its newest member Aarhus University – who joined EASE in February 2020.
15.11.2023 /
ESGC 2022
ESGC 2022
Access the virtual event platform, session recordings and presentations here, until 13 October 2023!
The fifth edition of the Energy Storage Global Conference (ESGC) was held on 11 – 13 October 2022 and was organised by EASE – The European Association for Storage of Energy, in collaboration with the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, as a hybrid event at Hotel Le Plaza in Brussels, as well as online.
This edition gathered over 365 onsite and online participants representing EU and national policymakers, utilities, manufacturers, suppliers, consultancies, the research community, DSOs, TSOs, and National Regulatory Authorities. Participants had the chance to hear insight from over 85 speakers on how the energy storage sector is evolving and must evolve. The ESGC 2022 gained support from 8 sponsors – EDF, Enel X, , Intilion, LDES Council, Saft and
The conference kicked off with a keynote speech by Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President of the European Commission, in charge of Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight. The Commissioner stated that the “deployment of energy storage solutions in Europe must accelerate” acknowledging that energy storage “…will help facilitate the integration of renewables and the electrification of the economy, while increasing the flexibility and security of the energy system.”
The first day, dedicated to policy, included presentations delivered by sector experts and panel discussions, focused on topics such as the political support required for energy storage uptake, energy market design, energy storage policy implementation and the decarbonisation of the energy system.
The second day, dedicated to market, looked at the economic viability of energy storage technologies, the types of funding available, the challenges and opportunities for investments in both mature and maturing markets around the world, as well as the role of TSOs and DSOs in ensuring a functioning market for energy storage.
Finally, the third day, dedicated to technologies, provided insight on the JRC’s vision for energy storage as well as addressed topics such as optimising infrastructure, combined energy storage technologies, long duration energy storage, raw materials, modelling frameworks, minimising the environmental footprint, interoperability and digitalisation.
The European Association for Storage of Energy (EASE) is glad to extend a warm welcome to its newest member Aarhus University – who joined EASE in February 2020.
28.11.2022 /
ESGC 2023
ESGC 2023
Access the virtual event platform, session recordings and presentations here!
The sixth edition of the Energy Storage Global Conference (ESGC) organized by EASE took place on 10 – 12 October 2023 as a hybrid event at Hotel Le Plaza in Brussels, as well as online.
Built on the foundations of five successful conferences organised since 2014, the three-day event, organised by the European Association for Storage of Energy (EASE), gathered over 380 energy
storage professionals, researchers, exhibitors, speakers, and policymakers, both onsite and online.
Participants had the chance to hear insight from over 60 speakers on how the energy storage sector is evolving and must evolve as it represents the bridge to achieve energy targets set for 2030 and 2050.
Representatives from around the world came together for three days to discuss the latest developments on energy storage technologies, regulatory and policy frameworks, and the future energy storage market. The conference kicked off with a keynote speech by Anne Weidenbach from the European Commission who remarked that “Energy storage and flexibility services have moved from the background of the energy sector to the forefront”.
Following the agenda:
The first day was dedicated to Policy. Participants had the chance to gain in-depth information about the new Electricity Market Design, new subsidies and State Aid, and how the European Union plans to foster energy storage.
The second day focused on Market and new business opportunities. Best practices and trends from around the world were discussed, as well how to identify opportunities in opening markets for investments in energy storage.
The third and last day was about Technology and its latest innovations. Attendees could learn more about critical raw materials in the energy storage sector, explore the role of energy storage in the Industry field, and discover the latest innovations with leading experts.
This edition of the Energy Storage Global Conference provided valuable insights on energy storage and showcased itself as a leading event for the industry giving access to current knowledge and important contacts in the field.
The European Association for Storage of Energy (EASE) is glad to extend a warm welcome to its newest member Aarhus University – who joined EASE in February 2020.
The event gathered 350 participants including top-level European energy professionals and representatives from European Institutions. Representing utilities, DSOs, TSOs, suppliers, consultancies, the research community, policymakers, and National Regulatory Authorities, 130 speakers shared inputs on their activities in the energy storage sector. The ESGC 2021 gained support from 5 sponsors – EDF, CellCube, Iberdrola, NGK and Uniper; there were 11 exhibitors, all-together, engaging with participants in virtual and on-site booths.
Representatives from around the world came together for three days to discuss the latest developments on energy storage technologies, regulatory and policy frameworks, and the future energy storage market. Mr. Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight, opened the conference highlighting that energy storage will be a crucial enabler for achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
The first day continued with an overview on how energy storage markets are evolving. Speakers and attendees discussed investments trends, new revenue streams and emerging business models and applications.
The second day of the conference provided insights into policy and regulations affecting energy storage. Ms Paula Pinho, Director of the Just Transition, Consumers, Energy Efficiency and Innovation Directorate at the European Commission, stressed how energy storage is central for the achievement of the EU Green Deal and EU’s decarbonisation objectives.
Lastly, the third day focused on energy storage technologies and the importance of competitive, green and safe solutions. Participants were able to discuss innovative energy storage technologies. The value of storage not only for flexibility, but importantly its role in energy shifting, resilience, reliability and capacity provision to the energy system was a key takeaway.
This edition of the Energy Storage Global Conference provided valuable insights on energy storage and showcased itself as a leading event for the industry giving access to current knowledge and fantastic contacts in the field. Moreover, it was an honour to celebrate EASE’s ten-year anniversary and work achieved during this time.
The European Association for Storage of Energy (EASE) is glad to extend a warm welcome to its newest member Aarhus University – who joined EASE in February 2020.
