Italy will need 71 GWh in energy storage by 2030

Last week (on August 10), Italy’s energy management company Terna released a report called “Exploring Electricity Storage Technologies.” This report explains that Italy’s energy system will require a minimum of 71 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in large-scale energy storage by 2030.

The experts who authored the report mention that the mentioned value could vary. They emphasize the need to update the predictions, considering how renewable energy sources are progressing and where they are situated in Italy.

Technologies and possibilities

The Terna report outlines seven key technologies: lithium-ion batteries, pumped hydro storage (PHES), compressed air energy storage (CAES), non-lithium-ion electrochemical storage, green hydrogen, electrostatic storage, and electromechanical storage.

Lithium-ion batteries and PHES are singled out as the primary technologies due to their advanced development.

Making production from RES more flexible

The primary driver behind these predictions is the unpredictability of renewable energy sources. Terna asserts that energy storage will play a crucial role in managing energy consumption from renewable sources (RES) and ensuring grid flexibility, both vital for energy security.

Italy is strongly committed to advancing renewable energy sources. The nation’s leaders have set a target of achieving 65% of the energy mix from RES by 2030. Moreover, they’re actively pursuing innovative projects, as discussed in our article about Italy’s focus on agro photovoltaics. Notably, they’re constructing a 170 MW capacity farm as part of these efforts.