Energy storage becomes a pillar of the EU's new industrial policy

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The energy storage sector is consolidating itself as a strategic axis for the Unión EuropeaFollowing a 45% growth in battery installations by 2025, the UE It is promoting a new industrial policy to increase its manufacturing capacity and ensure autonomy in the energy transition. This movement, which is gaining traction after events such as the blackout in the Península Ibérica In April 2025, it places security of supply at the center of the debate.

 

A rapidly expanding market driven by EU policy

 

Beyond isolated incidents on the network, Europa It seeks to consolidate its own industrial base in a technology that is key to electrical stability and decarbonization. The data supports this trend: according to the association SolarPower Europe, the Unión Europea installed 27,1 GWh of new storage capacity Battery storage capacity in 2025 will be 45% higher than the previous year, reaching a cumulative total of 77,3 GWh. This growth was driven by large-scale projects, highlighting the importance of energy storage in grids and infrastructure.

 

 

Key Indicator (2025)	Figure	Source
New installed storage capacity	27,1 GWh (+45% vs 2024)	SolarPower Europe
Total cumulative capacity in the EU	77,3GWh	SolarPower Europe
Nominal cell manufacturing capacity	252GWh	Industry Analysis

 

This market growth is accompanied by a regulatory and financial framework designed to strengthen the European value chain. Regulations such as Net-Zero Industry Act and Critical Raw Materials Act These are central components of this strategy. The first seeks to boost local manufacturing of clean technologies, including batteries, while the second sets targets for 2030 for the extraction, processing, and recycling of critical raw materials, in order to reduce dependence on third countries.

 

The dual challenge: production capacity and security of supply

 

Although Europa In 2025, the industry had a nominal cell manufacturing capacity of 252 GWh, much of which was geared towards electric vehicles, not stationary storage. Furthermore, the sector continues to rely on external suppliers for key components and materials. To address this gap, the Comisión Europea In 2024, it launched a call for applications. 1.000 millones de euros the Innovation Fund to specifically support the manufacture of battery cells on the continent.

 

The goal is not just to install more batteries, but to decide which part of that technology will be manufactured in European territoryThe conventional battery market is currently heavily influenced by the scale of Asian producers, who dominate global production. Therefore, the industrial opportunity for Europa It could reside in technologies and applications in earlier stages.

 

The industrial future beyond the conventional battery

 

In this scenario, alternative solutions such as the thermal storage and flow batteries, geared towards stationary, industrial, or long-term uses. In these segments, the market is less mature and offers more room for new developments and for European companies to position themselves as technological leaders. The industrial evolution of storage in Europa It will not depend solely on the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries, but on its ability to innovate and lead in emerging technological niches.

 

Autonomy, therefore, does not mean doing without international trade, but rather increasing the capacity to Europa to play a more significant role in an industry that will be central to the next phase of the energy transition. It's about striking a balance between energy policy and industrial policy.

 

Barcelona, ​​epicenter of the debate on the future of storage

 

This strategic framework will be one of the central themes in Battery & Energy Storage Tech Europe, the congress that will be held in Barcelona in September 2026. The event will bring together companies, technology centers and researchers at a key moment, marked by expanding demand, the advancement of large-scale projects and a coordinated effort to strengthen the European industrial value chain.

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about energy storage in the EU

 

How does this strategy affect Spanish companies?

For Spanish companies in the industrial and energy sectors, this policy opens up opportunities across the entire value chain, from the manufacture of components and equipment to the development of large-scale storage projects, systems integration, and battery recycling. Boosting local manufacturing can generate a new business ecosystem and attract investment.

 

What does "industrial autonomy" mean in practice for an exporter?

This does not mean closing borders to trade, but rather reducing critical dependencies, especially on raw materials and technological components from a limited number of countries, primarily in Asia. For an exporter or importer, this means a more resilient European market, stricter regulations on sustainability and origin (ESG), and potentially new opportunities to supply a growing local manufacturing industry.

 

Are there specific funding lines for projects in Spain?

Yes, in addition to European funds such as the Innovation FundNational recovery plans and structural funds are expected to align with these strategic objectives. Companies with manufacturing, R&D, or recycling projects in the energy storage sector should pay close attention to calls for proposals at both the national and international levels. UE, which will prioritize initiatives that contribute to the industrial autonomy of the continent.