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 an efficient energy storage system?

These targets cannot be achieved without implementing an efficient energy storage system in Italy. Italy’s growing need for storage systems is particularly evident in Central and Southern Italy, where a large number of renewable energy plants have been installed.

What is electrical energy storage used for in Italy?

In Italy, electrical energy storage is used almost exclusively for grid support functions; mainly transmission congestion relief (frequency regulation).

Are energy storage facilities regulated in Italy?

The Italian regulatory framework concerning energy storage facilities has been evolving rapidly in recent years. However, the legislation is relatively fragmented, given the high number of laws governing different aspects of energy storage facilities.

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.

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.