Close Menu
  • Featured
    • News
    • Consumption
    • Environment
    • Industry
    • Opinion
    • Policy
    • Production
    • Storage
    • Transmission
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Contact Us

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

News, investigations, and analysis — our top stories every morning to start your day right.

Trending
Illustration of China's massive laser fusion laboratory in Mianyang, generated by artificial intelligence.
“They’re Building the World’s Biggest Fusion Laser”: U.S. Satellite Reveals China’s Secret Race Toward Unlimited Energy Domination
Illustration of the U.S. military's groundbreaking wireless energy transmission experiment, created by artificial intelligence.
“They Just Beamed Power Through the Air Like Sci-Fi”: U.S. Military Destroys Wireless Energy Transmission Record With Shocking Test
Illustration of China's colossal nuclear fusion center under construction, surpassing the size of the U.S.'s National Ignition Facility, created by artificial intelligence.
“It’s Bigger Than Anything We Imagined”: China’s Secret Nuclear Fusion Facility Spotted From Space Sparks Global Alarm
Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn YouTube TikTok
Energy Reporters
Facebook X (Twitter) RSS
Subscribe
  • Featured
  • News
    Illustration of China's massive laser fusion laboratory in Mianyang, generated by artificial intelligence.

    “They’re Building the World’s Biggest Fusion Laser”: U.S. Satellite Reveals China’s Secret Race Toward Unlimited Energy Domination

    July 19, 2025 at 10:10 AM
    Illustration of China's colossal nuclear fusion center under construction, surpassing the size of the U.S.'s National Ignition Facility, created by artificial intelligence.

    “It’s Bigger Than Anything We Imagined”: China’s Secret Nuclear Fusion Facility Spotted From Space Sparks Global Alarm

    July 19, 2025 at 8:12 AM
    Illustration of nuclear-powered spacecraft propelled by solar sails in space, generated by artificial intelligence.

    Blasting Into Space With Nukes and Light: This Radical Propulsion Concept Could Redefine Deep Space Travel Faster Than Anything Before

    July 18, 2025 at 3:54 PM
    Illustration of Nexus, an advanced AI-powered supercomputer developed by Georgia Tech.

    “We Gave AI $20 Million to Rethink Science”: Nexus Super-System Set to Turbocharge US Innovation Like Never Before

    July 18, 2025 at 9:06 AM
    Illustration of Apple's collaboration with MP Materials to enhance rare earth material supply chains, generated by artificial intelligence.

    “We’re Cutting China Out”: Apple Strikes $500M Deal to Break Free from Chinese Rare Earths and Reinvent Its Global Supply Chain

    July 18, 2025 at 8:14 AM
  • Use
    Illustration of the contrasting lifespans of gas and electric vehicles in the evolving automotive industry, generated by artificial intelligence.

    “These Numbers Will Shock Every Driver”: Landmark Study Reveals Gas Cars Last 12 Years While Electric Vehicles Average Just 3, Sending Shockwaves Through the Industryers”: Disturbing Study Reveals Gas Cars Last 12 Years, Electric Only 3

    July 12, 2025 at 10:06 AM

    Trump’s Energy Policy: A Complicated Road Ahead

    December 24, 2024 at 3:28 PM

    World’s First Grid-Scale Nuclear Fusion Plant to Be Built in Virginia

    December 23, 2024 at 2:57 PM

    How West Africa can expand power supply and meet climate goals

    June 15, 2020 at 6:33 AM

    Saudi Aramco shares tumble amid price war 

    March 10, 2020 at 1:18 AM
  • Climate
    Illustration of the world's largest high-altitude wind farm in Tibet, generated by artificial intelligence.

    “They Built It on the Roof of the World”: World’s Highest-Altitude Wind Farm Just Launched in Tibet With Record-Breaking Power

    July 18, 2025 at 6:03 PM
    Illustration of space-based reflectors redirecting solar light to Earth during nighttime, generated by artificial intelligence.

    Space Mirrors Are Coming: This Bold Solar Energy Project Aims to Beam Sunlight From Orbit Straight Into Photovoltaic Farms

    July 18, 2025 at 5:12 PM
    Illustration of the wake effect impacting offshore wind turbines, generated by artificial intelligence.

    “They’re Losing Wind—and Millions”: The Devastating Wake Effect Threatening Offshore Wind Farms and the Race to Stop It

    July 18, 2025 at 10:00 AM
    Illustration of a cooling ceiling system using chilled water tubes to regulate indoor temperatures, generated by artificial intelligence.

    No More AC, No More Fans: This Revolutionary Home Cooling Method Is Taking Over and Saving Households a Fortune in Energy

    July 18, 2025 at 6:00 AM
    Illustration of natural hydrogen exploration in Siberia, generated by artificial intelligence.

    A Hidden Ocean of Hydrogen Found in Siberia Could Fuel the Planet for Generations and Disrupt the Entire Fossil Fuel Economy

    July 17, 2025 at 3:51 PM
  • Industry
    Illustration of the partnership between Westinghouse and Google Cloud using AI to advance nuclear construction, generated by artificial intelligence.

    “They’re Letting AI Build Nuclear Reactors”: Google and Westinghouse Unleash Machine-Driven Power That Could Reshape the Planet

    July 19, 2025 at 6:08 AM
    Illustration of a groundbreaking hybrid alloy for quantum chips, generated by artificial intelligence.

    “We Engineered the Impossible”: German Scientists Create World’s First Hybrid Alloy to Power the Next Generation of Quantum Chips

    July 18, 2025 at 7:02 AM
    Illustration of the Lamborghini Temerario GT3, a high-performance race car designed for GT3 racing, showcasing its advanced engineering and aerodynamic features; this is an artificial illustration.

    “They Turned a Supercar Into a Missile”: Lamborghini’s New Temerario GT3 Unleashes Brutal Power and Racing Precision for 2026 Debut

    July 15, 2025 at 10:08 AM
    Illustration of the Zeekr 9X hybrid crossover showcasing its innovative design and advanced technology, generated by artificial intelligence.

    “They Laughed at Chinese Cars—Not Anymore”: New Hybrid EV Hits 621-Mile Range and 0–60 in 3.1 Seconds

    July 15, 2025 at 9:04 AM
    Illustration of the advanced 3D printing system developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory and JuggerBot 3D to integrate thermoset and thermoplastic materials, created by artificial intelligence.

    “They Just Cracked the Code for Supersonic Manufacturing”: U.S. Lab Unveils Dual-Material 3D Printing to Reinvent Flight and Power

    July 15, 2025 at 6:54 AM
  • Opinion

    Pulling back the curtain on Turkey’s natural gas strategy

    September 1, 2020 at 5:59 AM

    How West Africa can expand power supply and meet climate goals

    June 15, 2020 at 6:33 AM

    Review: Oil and the Great Powers: Britain and Germany, 1914 to 1945

    June 9, 2020 at 5:40 AM

    Eastern Mediterranean gas: testing the field

    May 27, 2020 at 5:18 AM

    Energy geopolitics will hinge on the nationalism-globalism swinging door

    May 5, 2020 at 1:37 AM
  • Policy

    Trump’s Global Influence Wanes Amid Rising Foreign Policy Setbacks

    May 31, 2025 at 5:48 PM

    Glaciers in Crisis: Nearly 40% of Global Ice Mass is Already Lost

    May 24, 2025 at 4:52 PM

    iPhone Prices May Triple if Made in the U.S., Analyst Warns

    May 23, 2025 at 5:30 PM

    Labubu Craze: The Cute, Creepy Plush Toy Taking Over the World

    May 17, 2025 at 8:40 AM

    RFK Jr’s Vaccine Views Clash with Measles Outbreak Reality

    April 12, 2025 at 10:49 AM
  • Output
    Illustration of China producing its first barrel of natural uranium from the 'National No 1 Uranium' project in Inner Mongolia, generated by artificial intelligence.

    “Unleashing a Uranium Giant”: China Triumphantly Extracts First 55-Gallon Barrel from This Massive Natural Uranium Project, Sparking Global Ripples

    July 15, 2025 at 8:02 AM
    Illustration of the world’s first integrated hydrogen production simulator within a Small Modular Reactor control room, generated by artificial intelligence.

    “The Future Is Here, and It’s Terrifying”: World’s First Hydrogen-Generating Nuclear Reactor Launches in the US, Sparking Global Energy Revolution

    July 9, 2025 at 7:01 AM

    Billionaire Backlash Grows Against Trump’s Aggressive Tariff Plans

    May 10, 2025 at 5:50 PM

    McDonald’s Sees Worst Sales Since 2020 Amid Uncertainty

    May 1, 2025 at 8:23 AM

    Europe’s Economic Rebound Stalls as U.S. Tariffs Cast a Shadow

    April 30, 2025 at 5:34 PM
  • Storage
    Illustration of a revolutionary lithium metal battery equipped with a built-in flame suppressant, highlighting its enhanced safety and efficiency, generated by artificial intelligence.

    “It Puts Out Its Own Fires”: Breakthrough Lithium Battery Unleashed With Built-In Safety System That Could End Explosive Failures Forever

    July 19, 2025 at 6:57 AM
    Illustration of Finland's largest sand battery for renewable energy storage, generated by artificial intelligence.

    “They’re Storing Energy in Sand!”: Finland Unveils World’s Largest Sand Battery in a Bold Move to Revolutionize Clean Power Storage

    July 16, 2025 at 4:59 PM
    Illustration of researchers at the University of Alberta developing advanced water-based batteries.

    “They Replaced Lithium with Water!”: Scientists Unveil Battery Breakthrough That’s Safer, Cheaper, and Ready to Transform Energy Storage

    July 16, 2025 at 5:48 AM
    Illustration of a predictive model accurately forecasting lithium metal anode failures in battery technology, created by artificial intelligence.

    China Unveils Groundbreaking Lithium Battery Tech That Flags Deadly Failures Seconds Before the Battery Fully Activates

    July 14, 2025 at 7:50 AM
    Illustration of the internal chemistry of battery materials affecting energy flow, generated by artificial intelligence.

    “These Hidden Hot Spots Hold the Key”: Scientists Uncover Secret Zones to Build Ultra-Durable EV Batteries, Triggering a Breakthrough in Car Longevity

    July 12, 2025 at 8:10 AM
  • Grid
    Illustration of the U.S. military's groundbreaking wireless energy transmission experiment, created by artificial intelligence.

    “They Just Beamed Power Through the Air Like Sci-Fi”: U.S. Military Destroys Wireless Energy Transmission Record With Shocking Test

    July 19, 2025 at 8:52 AM
    Illustration of DARPA's wireless power transmission experiment, beaming energy over 5.3 miles.

    “They Just Beamed Power Over 5 Miles to Make Popcorn”: DARPA’s Wireless Energy Breakthrough Redefines What’s Technically Possible

    July 17, 2025 at 4:54 PM
    Illustration of a revolutionary laser amplifier technology designed to increase data transmission speeds, generated by artificial intelligence.

    “They Just Unlocked Super Lasers!”: Breakthrough Amplifier Could Make the Internet 10× Faster and Launch a New Era of Light-Speed Data

    July 16, 2025 at 7:10 AM
    Illustration of a TGV train equipped with satellite internet technology, generated by artificial intelligence.

    “Elon Musk Promises to End France’s TGV Wi-Fi Nightmare”: Starlink Solution Set to Transform Train Travel With Blazing Internet Speeds

    July 10, 2025 at 8:53 AM

    Australian grid struggles with renewables boom: report

    February 24, 2020 at 5:32 AM
Energy Reporters

Energy storage: Europe’s final frontier

Rosemary PotterRosemary PotterJanuary 10, 2018 at 9:14 AM0
Share Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Telegram WhatsApp Email Copy Link
Follow Us
Google News
via sandialabs on Flickr
Share
Twitter Facebook LinkedIn WhatsApp Email Copy Link

Several trends in recent years have dramatically improved Europe’s energy outlook. Its initiatives to embrace renewables in the second half of the 2000s, driven by the earlier leadership of Germany’s Energiewende, have reoriented policies across the continent. Meanwhile, massive new supplies of increasingly lower-cost liquefied natural gas from the United States, Australia, Canada, Indonesia, and Qatar have increased its gas-supply security. The prices of renewables, moreover, have declined annually and dramatically in the past seven years. Wind has long been cheaper than coal and gas, but solar has now nearly caught up. These trends are visible in the United States, according to Lazard’s 2017 analysis of energy prices there.

As important as these developments are, limitations in battery technology will constrain Europe’s ability to implement its most ambitious targets for renewables. Renewables’ most problematic aspect is their inherent intermittency, namely that the sun does not always shine and the wind does not always blow, making them unreliable sources of power. But this is where storage comes in, acting as the bridge between wanting more renewables and adopting them. Users, domestic or commercial, require base load power from sources that are impervious to weather conditions, namely coal, gas, or nuclear. The ability to store solar and wind power, therefore, would put them on equal footing as base load power sources and lead to their wider and deeper adoption.

Yet battery technology remains too expensive, especially for industrial-scale power generation. Last year, Elon Musk heralded his development of the largest lithium-ion battery in Australia, which is slated to bring 100 megawatt hours (Mwh) of electricity. But 100 Mwh are not 100 MW of base load power, prompting skepticism about the project’s actual value in the context of its ambitious execution.

Despite these limitations in battery technology, the EU is promoting innovation in storage through its Horizon 2020 plan. And perhaps more importantly, developments in storage in individual countries portend that the continent is on the right path, according to a report from European Market Monitor on Energy Storage (EMMES). Driven by local subsidies, a growing market for solar and wind power, and the introduction of more affordable options, battery-powered rooftop solar power systems will only increase the growth rate of renewable power generation, distribution, and storage by 2021. Between 2016 and 2017 alone, Europe’s energy storage grew by 50 percent.

Emerging power centers: Sweden, Italy and the UK

The EMMES’ report is the first to examine continent-wide trends in storage and contains several nuggets for those looking for concrete reasons why storage will grow. In Nordic countries, for one, data centers run by technology companies such as Facebook, are set to expand commercial and industrial energy storage facilities due to friendly government policies. Sweden slashed the tax rates for such centers in 2016 by 97 percent, reducing electricity prices for them by roughly 40 percent. This policy will increase the competitiveness of the country’s technology sector and hasten the application of smart-grid technologies that can help more efficiently store and distribute electricity generated by renewables.

Subsidies have largely driven the greater use of renewables in Western European counties such as Germany and Italy over the past decade and are expected to continue. In 2016, Italy launched a €9-billion subsidy scheme to be rolled out over 20 years to fund biomass, wind, and solar projects. Not only is Italy endowed with viable domestic condition for renewable generation, but it has excellent prospects for importing power from solar-rich North Africa through projects championed by the World Bank. In June, the Tunisia-based TuNur project filed a request to export 4.5 gigawatts, with its first leg to Malta targeted for completion in 2020. Renewables accounted for 17 percent of Italian energy consumption in 2017.

The United Kingdom is taking a different approach by cutting subsidies, but it has experienced growth in so-called behind-the-meter storage, which allows homes and businesses to generate, store, consume and one day even sell solar power from their roofs. This model has seen steady growth in the sunnier parts of the United States and especially by data centers like Tesla’s in Nevada. Ikea began selling affordable battery units for its rooftop solar systems earlier this year, estimating that customers will begin realizing savings from the investment within 12 years.

Green energy is not inevitable

People across the globe have demonstrated in public opinions polls that they are eager to adopt cleaner energies. They recognize that carbon dioxide from fossil fuels and coal most notably dirties their air and triggers a range of health problems in humans, not to mention the despoiling of their natural environments. Politicians have only taken tepid steps, however, to embrace renewables wholeheartedly, largely out of concern for the economic costs of the transition and immediate demands for cheap energy, particularly in countries such as India, where an estimated 240 million people still lack access to electricity. The 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Paris signaled a new global willingness to fight climate change and increase renewables, but these commitments are not binding.

Despite the technological challenges of making large-scale batteries economic and increasing capacity, Europe should be lauded for taking aggressive steps to incorporate existing technologies to revamp and reorient its energy consumption. The continent must continue along this trajectory, taking advantage of favorable global trends, if it is to push to its final energy frontier.

Did you like it? 4.5/5 (27)

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

News, investigations, and analysis — our top stories every morning to start your day right.

energy storage Horizon 2020 renewable cost
Follow on Google News Follow on X (Twitter)
Share. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Telegram WhatsApp Email Copy Link
Previous ArticleEgypt gas supply chain opens
Next Article Yamal LNG could breach US sanctions
Rosemary Potter
  • X (Twitter)

Rosemary Potter is a Berlin-based journalist for Energy Reporters, covering European energy markets, cross-border policy, industry innovation, and the challenges of energy transition. A graduate of Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism, she combines investigative depth with a continental outlook. Her reporting amplifies the perspectives shaping Europe’s energy future across sectors, borders, and technologies. Contact: [email protected]

Keep Reading
Illustration of a revolutionary lithium metal battery equipped with a built-in flame suppressant, highlighting its enhanced safety and efficiency, generated by artificial intelligence.

“It Puts Out Its Own Fires”: Breakthrough Lithium Battery Unleashed With Built-In Safety System That Could End Explosive Failures Forever

Illustration of Finland's largest sand battery for renewable energy storage, generated by artificial intelligence.

“They’re Storing Energy in Sand!”: Finland Unveils World’s Largest Sand Battery in a Bold Move to Revolutionize Clean Power Storage

Illustration of researchers at the University of Alberta developing advanced water-based batteries.

“They Replaced Lithium with Water!”: Scientists Unveil Battery Breakthrough That’s Safer, Cheaper, and Ready to Transform Energy Storage

Add A Comment
Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

News, investigations, and analysis — our top stories every morning to start your day right.

Trending
Illustration of China's massive laser fusion laboratory in Mianyang, generated by artificial intelligence.
“They’re Building the World’s Biggest Fusion Laser”: U.S. Satellite Reveals China’s Secret Race Toward Unlimited Energy Domination
Illustration of the U.S. military's groundbreaking wireless energy transmission experiment, created by artificial intelligence.
“They Just Beamed Power Through the Air Like Sci-Fi”: U.S. Military Destroys Wireless Energy Transmission Record With Shocking Test
Illustration of China's colossal nuclear fusion center under construction, surpassing the size of the U.S.'s National Ignition Facility, created by artificial intelligence.
“It’s Bigger Than Anything We Imagined”: China’s Secret Nuclear Fusion Facility Spotted From Space Sparks Global Alarm
News by category
  • Featured
  • News
  • Use
  • Climate
  • Industry
  • Opinion
  • Policy
  • Output
  • Storage
  • Grid
Information
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Meet the Team
  • Contact Us
  • Legal Notice
  • Privacy Policy

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

News, investigations, and analysis — our top stories every morning to start your day right.

Facebook X (Twitter) RSS
© Energy-Reporters.com. All rights reserved.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.