How much does battery storage cost in Europe?

The landscape of utility-scale battery storage costs in Europe continues to evolve rapidly, driven by technological advancements and increasing demand for renewable energy integration. As we’ve explored, the current costs range from €250 to €400 per kWh, with a clear downward trajectory expected in the coming years.

Why is energy storage important in the EU?

It can also facilitate the electrification of different economic sectors, notably buildings and transport. The main energy storage method in the EU is by far 'pumped hydro' storage, but battery storage projects are rising. A variety of new technologies to store energy are also rapidly developing and becoming increasingly market-competitive.

What happened to battery energy storage systems in Germany?

Small-scale lithium-ion residential battery systems in the German market suggest that between 2014 and 2020, battery energy storage systems (BESS) prices fell by 71%, to USD 776/kWh.

Are battery electricity storage systems a good investment?

This study shows that battery electricity storage systems offer enormous deployment and cost-reduction potential. By 2030, total installed costs could fall between 50% and 60% (and battery cell costs by even more), driven by optimisation of manufacturing facilities, combined with better combinations and reduced use of materials.

What percentage of Europe's energy storage capacity is pumped hydro?

However, despite an exponential growth in Europe’s battery energy storage capacity, which reached 36 gigawatt-hours in 2023, pumped hydro still accounted for 90 percent of the electricity storage capacity in the European Union that year.

How much does battery storage cost?

The largest component of utility-scale battery storage costs lies in the battery cells themselves, typically accounting for 30-40% of total system costs. In the European market, lithium-ion batteries currently range from €200 to €300 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), with prices continuing to decrease as manufacturing scales up and technology improves.