Large energy storage in Central and Eastern Europe may grow fivefold by 2030.

Energy storage installations are rising in Central and Eastern Europe, with the source-grid-side battery market rapidly growing. PV Europe predicts a fivefold market expansion by 2030.

-Multiple factors drive the growth of the energy storage market-

The growth of large energy storage systems in Central Europe is driven by several factors:

1. Renewable Integration: Increased wind and solar usage demands efficient storage to stabilize energy supply.

2. Carbon Goals & Coal Phase-Out: EU emission targets and coal reduction accelerate energy storage adoption as a clean alternative.

3. Grid Stability & Independence: Storage systems mitigate grid fluctuations and decrease reliance on external energy sources.

4. EU Policy Support: Funding programs and flexibility requirements bolster market growth.

5. Electricity Price Volatility: Fluctuating energy prices push for flexible storage solutions.

6. EV Expansion: Rising electric vehicle adoption eases grid pressure, fueling demand for storage.

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-EU policy provides support for energy storage market-

• Flexibility Assessments Mandate: From June 2026, EU requires TSOs to assess energy storage needs and include them in NECPs, signaling investors and boosting market funding.

• Financial Incentives: Since 2022, the EU approved substantial aid for energy storage, including €1.2B for Hungary and Poland, €590M for Bulgaria, €578M for Romania, €150M for Slovenia, and €180M for Lithuania.

-Highlights of Energy Storage Policies in Various Countries-

• Romania: Launching battery storage capacity auctions in 2026, supported by Contracts for Difference (CfD) to ensure profitability.

• Poland: Encouraging energy storage through capacity market auctions and tax incentives.

• Hungary: Offers up to 45% subsidies for grid-level storage, supported by CfDs and advanced grid connection policies.

• Lithuania: Focused on modern grid connections and large-scale energy storage development.

• Ukraine: Backed by international financial aid and exempted from import tariffs for storage systems.

-Future growth of energy storage market in Central and Eastern Europe-

 According to PV Europe, the large-scale battery energy storage market in six key Central and Eastern European countries is projected to grow fivefold by 2030.

· Poland will lead with capacity increasing from 350 MWh to 4000 MWh.

· Romania is expected to reach 3750 MWh.

· Lithuania is projected to grow to 3500 MWh.

· Hungary's market is anticipated to reach 3300 MWh.

· Bulgaria's energy storage capacity is forecasted to reach 3000 MWh.

· Ukraine's market is estimated to grow to approximately 2750 MWh.

-Facing challenges and breaking through bottlenecks-

The energy storage market in Central and Eastern Europe shows great potential but faces regulatory challenges and market barriers. In Romania, unclear grid connection rules and slow subsidy approvals hinder progress on utility-scale projects. Similarly, Bulgaria lacks clear regulations for industrial and commercial energy storage (C&I BESS), and policies like frequency regulation remain underdeveloped. Additionally, inadequate grid infrastructure restricts some projects. However, as policies improve and infrastructure develops, the region’s energy storage market is poised for significant growth, balancing challenges with opportunities.