Study: Large storage systems on the rise

07.10.2024

According to market research, large-scale battery storage capacity could increase to a total of 8.6 million kWh in the next two years.

Boom in battery storage systems with a connected load of more than 1 MW: the German Solar Industry Association (BSW) expects large-scale storage capacity to increase fivefold by the end of 2026. Around 7 million kWh would be added to the 1.8 million kWh installed to date.

The association bases its forecast on market research by Enervis. With the support of the "ees Europe" trade fair, the consulting company evaluated the storage projects pre-registered by project planners in the Federal Network Agency's market master data register and announced in media reports, explains the BSW.

"The price-reducing feed-in of more and more solar power makes the ever cheaper storage of electricity an interesting business model. The expansion of large battery storage systems will help to better integrate the rapid increase in photovoltaic capacity into the electricity system," comments BSW Managing Director Carsten Körnig on the forecast. For comparison: In 2020, the capacity of large storage systems totaled 600,000 kWh, in 2023 it was 1.4 million kWh and by the end of this year it is estimated to be 2.6 million kWh.

According to the BSW, the installed capacity of small and large storage systems combined reached 16 million kWh at the end of July this year. Home storage systems accounted for 13 million kWh. Their total number at that time was 1.51 million.

The association is taking the results of the market research as an opportunity to call for "better framework conditions" for storage operators. Further obstacles to the construction and operation of storage systems need to be removed before the end of this legislative period. "Disproportionate construction cost subsidies must be reduced and regulated uniformly and with legal certainty," demands the BSW boss. In the association's view, the upcoming amendment to the German Building Code would be a booster for the expansion of large-scale storage systems by giving battery storage systems privileged status in the approval process under building law.

Author: Manfred Fischer
Source: Energy & Management Powernews