PNIEC envisages the 2030 energy storage scenario to consist of 8 GW of hydroelectric pumping systems (most of which are already in place), 4GW of distributed energy storage systems (i.
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.
Local industry contacts, as well as U.S. sector firms, have also indicated to Post that there is a need for energy storage solutions 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.
To develop utility-scale electricity storage facilities, the Italian Government set up a scheme that was approved by the European Commission at the end of 2023. 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.
How many storage systems are there in Italy?
More in detail, 311,189 storage systems were present in Italy in mid- 2023, with a total power of 2,329 MW and a maximum capacity of 3,946 MWh. Terna (the high voltage grid operator) also holds systems totaling 60 MW in power and 250 MWh in capacity.