Energy storage and battery capacity targets in Europe 2030, by country
Europe is setting ambitious targets for energy storage and battery capacity as part of its clean energy transition. Spain and the United Kingdom are leading the charge, aiming to achieve over 20 gigawatts of energy storage capacity by 2030. This push reflects a broader trend across the continent as countries seek to enhance grid stability and integrate more renewable energy sources.
European battery landscape and future projections
As of 2025, the United Kingdom is already at the forefront of battery energy storage capacity in Europe, with over 5.6 gigawatts installed across utility-scale and residential systems. Germany, Ireland, and Italy followed with 1.6 gigawatts in the former and approximately one gigawatt in the other two countries. Looking ahead, the European battery energy storage market is poised for significant growth, with capacity additions forecast to exceed 78 gigawatt-hours in 2028. Germany and Italy are expected to dominate these additions, solidifying their positions as key players in the market.
Challenges and opportunities in Europe's battery industry
While Europe is making strides in energy storage, challenges remain in developing a robust domestic battery industry. By 2030, only 32 percent of battery manufacturing project owners in Europe are projected to be local, with the majority being foreign entities. China and South Korea are set to dominate battery production in Europe. To address this, the European Union has implemented incentive programs to subsidize battery technologies, such as IPCEI and BAtt4EU, allocating billions of euros through 2031.