29.01.2025 /
ESGC 2024
The seventh edition of the Energy Storage Global Conference (ESGC) organised by EASE took place on 15 – 17 October 2024 as a hybrid event at Hotel Le Plaza in Brussels.
Building on six successful conferences since 2014, the three-day event brought together over 400 energy storage professionals, researchers, more than 20 exhibitors, and over 50 speakers, both onsite and online. Participants gained insights into how the energy storage sector is growing and must evolve to serve as the bridge to achieving the energy targets set for 2030 and 2050.
Over three days, representatives from various countries gathered to discuss advancements in energy storage technologies, regulatory frameworks, policy updates, and market trends. They emphasised that energy storage is essential for managing the increasing share of renewable energy on the grid while ensuring a stable, reliable energy supply. Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, a Member of the European Parliament, highlighted energy storage's crucial role in securing energy supply and enabling the transition to a decarbonised electricity system.
However, despite Europe's progress, issues such as financing, permitting delays, and market design remain. Julia Majewska, Case Handler Officer at the European Commission, stressed the need to design public support measures that enhance, rather than disrupt, competition and regulatory reforms.
The second day focused on the evolving landscape of energy storage. Key topics included the integration of ESG principles in energy storage, strategies for optimising revenue in storage markets, and insights into the future of longer-duration technologies. Additionally, participants explored innovative business models such as Heat-as-a-Service and drew valuable lessons on enhancing grid resilience from the experiences in Ukraine.
During the third day, several panel discussions took place, focusing on safety standards, supply chain and raw materials, and energy storage hybridisation. Piotr Szymański, Director of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre stated: “Prosumerism empowers consumers and households to become more active in the energy sector” underscoring the potential of prosumers—individuals who both produce and consume energy—to transform Europe’s energy landscape. He highlighted that integrating storage solutions at the household and community level could lead to significant efficiency gains and further decarbonise the grid.
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.