A demonstration research facility for large-scale liquid flow batteries in Germany. Image: Fraunhofer Information and Communication Technology.


According to foreign media reports, industry stakeholder organizations from all over Europe have recently come forward to urge the EU to support the adoption of long-term energy storage in its European green agreement.


Eleven countries and organizations have signed joint letters, including the Standard Environment Alliance, the European Energy Storage Association (EASE), the Energy Storage and Renewable Energy Industry Association, the Spanish energy storage industry organizations AEPIBAL and ASEAN, Flow Batteries Europe, and the European Copper Association.



In the letter addressed to members of the European Commission, the French presidency of the European Council, and members of the European Parliament, the urgent need for long-term energy storage technology was emphasized to achieve decarbonization in the power sector.



The signatories pointed out that the United States has moved towards market participation in long-term energy storage applications and "believes that Europe cannot fall behind.".



The joint letter outlines the fundamental role of energy storage in increasing flexibility by ensuring electricity availability and grid stability, and integrating renewable energy on a large scale into Europe's power network.



This letter argues that compared to energy storage systems with a duration of up to four hours - these energy storage systems are usually deployed for auxiliary services or peak shaving and valley filling applications, long-term energy storage can meet more application scenarios.



Long term energy storage can also save the cost of transmission infrastructure, making electricity prices across Europe more stable and affordable.



"This will make electricity prices more stable and affordable for end-users in Europe. Energy transformation requires significant investment in energy infrastructure, and capital will shift from fossil fuels to clean energy and other climate solutions," the letter said.



"The period from now to 2030 is a critical period for net zero competition, and long-term energy storage is still in its early stages, requiring stronger policy support and investment."



It is worth noting that in addition to promoting long-term energy storage at the US and UK government levels, there are indications that large energy end-users with decarbonization goals are becoming increasingly interested in these technologies. Microsoft and Google recently joined the Long Term Energy Storage Committee, and according to Tencent sources, they are also very interested in Long Term Energy Storage.



The Global Long Term Energy Storage Council includes long-term energy storage technology providers with a range of different solutions, as well as end users and energy companies - BP and mining giant Rio Tinto - who have been members of it since its establishment last year.



This letter regarding the EU Green Agreement has put forward some specific requirements and suggestions in two key areas: legal framework and funding:



Legal framework supporting large-scale energy storage deployment

The letter states that new sources of income should be created so that these technologies can benefit, such as designing emission trading plans or implementing self scheduling and schedulable incentives for renewable energy factories, which will encourage investment in long-term energy storage.

A simpler licensing procedure should be developed.

For many European regions, one of the biggest obstacles to energy storage is the imposition of double taxation and grid fees on energy storage: once charging from the grid and once injecting electricity into the grid. Some regulatory agencies in member countries have already begun to address these issues, while others have not yet done so.

Create a separate asset category for energy storage, rather than treating it as one or a subset of power generation, transmission, distribution, or consumption. Similarly, this is a topic that is being discussed in many parts of the world.

Encourage power system operators to extend the term of energy storage service contracts and provide investors with more certainty.

Eliminate barriers to energy storage providing certain services and allow system operators to accumulate revenue by providing multiple services. These groups believe that allowing multiple and maximized income streams would be the best way to make energy storage economically viable.

The European Commission did not properly value the role of system flexibility or rapid response energy storage assets in modeling the power system.

Increase funding for more technologies beyond short-term lithium-ion batteries

Funding should be provided for all categories and timelines of energy storage, including research and development support, support for more demonstration projects, and making energy storage an "important green investment opportunity.".



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