Energy Storage NL is pleased that the European Commission has published its Communication on Accelerating Clean Energy Innovation and pushes for the development of clean energy business models. The Communication recognises the importance of energy storage by designating it as a priority area for clean energy research and innovation, alongside electro-mobility, decarbonisation of the building stock, and the integration of renewables.
EASE welcomes the Commission’s decision to invest more than € 2 billion of the total 2018-2020 Horizon 2020 Work Programme budget in these four areas, a 35% increase compared to 2014-2015. Increased funding for research and demonstration projects will lead to significant advancements in energy storage technologies, including cost reductions, scaling-up of deployments, and a more competitive European energy storage industry.
All technologies need to be considered
Energy Storage NL and its European association EASE are supportive of the Communication but are concerned that its annex focuses chiefly on batteries. All energy storage technologies should be placed on an equal footing and considered for funding. Drawing on the broad expertise of its members, EASE is happy to support the European institutions in identifying promising research areas for all types of energy storage technologies.
Regulatory framework needs update
Energy Storage NL underlines that funding for energy storage research and innovation must also be complemented by efforts to improve the regulatory environment. Energy Storage NL thus will continue to play a constructive role in shaping a fair market design for energy storage.
More information
https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/news/commission-proposes-new-rules-consumer-centred-clean-energy-transition
