Energy Storage: a Critical Link in the Chain of the Energy Transition

The Energy Storage Global Conference 2018 officially closed its doors on 26 October 2018 after three intensive days of discussions on energy storage technologies, policy, and markets. The ESGC 2018 confirms the success of the previous two editions thanks to the involvement of over 300 participants from all around the world, as well as 75 speakers and 16 exhibitors.

Mr Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President of the European Commission in charge of the Energy Union, kicked off the Energy Storage Global Conference on 24 October 2018 by highlighting the role of energy storage as a critical link in the chain of the entire energy transition and modernisation of the European economy. He expressed his satisfaction about the European Commission’s initiative “EU battery Alliance” that led to more visibility and funding for battery storage but also reminded the participants of the complementarity of all storage technologies for the energy transition. During an interview with Mr Patrick Clerens, EASE Secretary General, the Vice-President also stressed the importance of large-scale deployment of energy storage to support the rapid decarbonisation of the energy system as required by the Paris Agreement.

The first day of the conference provided insights on the state of the art and future perspectives of different energy storage technologies that are being developed and deployed around the world. Speakers and participants discovered innovative solutions such as residential micro-storage integrated with electric heating or MW scale gravimetric storage. They explored the challenges and opportunities associated with each technology, and the immense value for the energy system of having a wide range of energy storage technologies available.

On day two, the conference focused on how to shape a better legislative and regulatory framework for storage, taking into account the rapid technological transformations. Speakers and panellists debated the European l perspective on energy storage policy and energy market design compared to the situation in the US, China and India. Issues such the role of regulated entities in energy storage and the links between storage and clean mobility were intensively debated.

The final day of the conference was dedicated to exploring the economic viability of energy storage projects, the different revenue streams available to storage, and the barriers faced by different actors interested in financing or developing storage projects.

The three-day conference underlined that rapid technological change requires a shift in mindset when it comes to designing an enabling policy framework for energy storage and to ensuring a robust business case for storage.

More information is available at the following link: https://ease-storage.eu/category/esgc/