Key facts
- Europe's installed battery storage capacity is projected to quadruple to 171 GW by 2030.
- Europe's energy storage capacity is projected to increase eightfold to 598 GWh by 2030.
- Chinese solar firms are increasing battery exports due to slowing panel sales.
- Chinese battery exports are forecast to jump 30% to 150 GWh in 2026.
- CATL has launched the world's largest open-source energy storage testing platform.
- CATL has started mass production of sodium-ion batteries.
- Forus Oy is implementing a 15 MW battery storage system in Finland using Elisa Industriq's Gridle platform.
- Malaysia's Mikro MSC Berhad has partnered with Hong Kong Cospower Technology Co Ltd for battery storage projects.
- Household adoption of solar and battery storage remains strong despite rebate changes.
Global battery storage capacity is poised for substantial growth, driven by the increasing integration of renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Europe is expected to see its installed battery storage capacity quadruple to 171 GW by 2030, with energy storage capacity rising eightfold to 598 GWh. This expansion is crucial for stabilizing grids that are incorporating more intermittent renewable generation.
Chinese solar panel manufacturers are responding to slowing photovoltaic sales growth by increasing battery exports. Companies such as JinkoSolar and JA Solar are diversifying into battery storage solutions to address renewable energy intermittency and capitalize on market expansion. Battery exports from China are forecast to jump by 30% to 150 GWh in 2026. In technological advancements, CATL has launched the world's largest open-source energy storage testing platform and has begun mass production of sodium-ion batteries, while also indicating progress in lithium-air battery technology.
Specific projects highlight this global trend. In Finland, Forus Oy has selected Elisa Industriq's Gridle platform to manage and optimize a 15 MW battery energy storage system across two sites, aiming to improve grid balancing and flexibility. Malaysia's Mikro MSC Berhad has entered into a two-year exclusive partnership with Hong Kong Cospower Technology Co Ltd (HKCT) to develop large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) projects, intended to strengthen Malaysia's electricity grid for greater renewable energy integration.
Even with changes to rebate schemes, such as the 'Cheaper Home Batteries' program, household adoption of solar and battery storage systems remains robust. While the rate of growth has moderated, sustained consumer interest in renewable energy is evident through continued investment in these technologies.