Are battery energy storage systems needed 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.

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.

Is there a need for energy storage solutions in Italy?

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.

How much energy storage capacity does Italy have?

As of November 2024 Italy had 5.1 GW / 11.7 GWh of energy storage capacity. This is almost exclusively small-scale residential system, with utility-scale storage systems providing just 864 MW. To help achieve the target for utility-scale storage build-out, the Italian government has implemented the MACSE subsidy scheme as supporting legislation.

How does Italy's electricity market work?

Zonal Market Dynamics: Italy’s electricity market is a zonal market, with seven geographic zones affecting short-term price volatility and influencing BESS investment strategies. MACSE Subsidy Scheme: The new MACSE scheme offers 15-year contracts for energy storage projects and guarantees indexed linked revenue.

How will Italy develop utility-scale electricity storage facilities?

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.