Europe added battery energy storage systems (BESS) with a capacity of 36 GWh in 2025, marking the twelfth consecutive year of growth and pushing total operational capacity past 100 GWh for the first time. According to the medium scenario from SolarPower Europe’s latest report, the continent’s BESS capacity could reach 582 GWh by 2030—a sixfold increase in just five years.
The new data comes from the 'European Battery Market Outlook 2026–2030′ report published by SolarPower Europe, an organisation supporting the photovoltaic sector. The 36 GWh added in 2025 represents a 48% jump from the previous year, a strong rebound after the slowdown in 2024 when growth was just 24% following an 89% surge in 2023.
Analysts point to a clear shift toward utility-scale batteries, which for the first time accounted for more than half of all new installations. This expansion reflects growing needs for grid flexibility, increasingly viable business models, and the rapid rise of hybrid projects combining solar PV with storage.
Record growth driven by utility-scale installations
Germany retained its position as the European leader in BESS additions, installing 6.6 GWh—up 2% from 2024. The United Kingdom regained second place with a 64% annual increase to 5.2 GWh. Italy slipped to third after an 18% drop, though it still added 5 GWh, just slightly less than the UK.
– The growth in 2025 shows that the industrial-scale segment is becoming the backbone of the European battery storage market – said the report’s authors. According to the medium scenario, total installed BESS capacity in the EU will reach 470 GWh by 2030, up from 77 GWh in 2025. However, to meet future flexibility requirements, at least 600 GWh would be needed—a level only approached under the high scenario.
New markets emerge in Eastern Europe
Two new countries entered the top five growth markets in 2025: Ukraine and Bulgaria each added nearly 3 GWh, replacing Austria and Sweden. This shift is a sign of diversification across the European BESS landscape. In 2023 and 2024, the top five markets accounted for almost 80% of all new capacity; in 2025 that share dropped to 62%.
Looking ahead, the report forecasts that utility-scale batteries will dominate the European BESS fleet, reaching 392 GWh and a 67% share by 2030. The average annual growth rate is projected at 42% (CAGR) over the next five years, with total capacity exceeding 150 GWh already by the end of 2026.
Źródło: WNP.PL, Fot. SolarPower Europe / Shutterstock
