By Martin Banks

The body representing civil society at EU level has called for a “comprehensive storage strategy

 The demand comes with the European energy system facing deep geopolitical, economic and social transformation.

Now, the Brussels based European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) argues, in a newly adopted opinion, that the EU now needs a “clear, common plan” for energy storage, something that is “essential” for energy independence and security of supply.

It says the European Commission should set up an energy storage strategy “as infrastructure for storing energy is key for a sovereign EU.”

This is the request put forward by the EESC in its opinion adopted at the July plenary session and drafted by Thomas Kattnig and Konstantinos Mousouroulis.

Kattnig said, “Energy storage facilities are critical infrastructure – just as important as electricity grids or power plants.

“Europe undoubtedly needs a common storage strategy. Without storage, there can be no secure and successful energy transition.”

He add, “And without a storage strategy, there is no European energy sovereignty. The market alone will not deliver the storage capacity Europe needs. Strategic public investment, long-term planning and targeted regulation are indispensable.”

 The EU energy system is currently undergoing radical change due to geopolitical, economic, climate and social factors.

In the past few years, the war in Ukraine has, says the EESC, “revealed the EU’s structural weaknesses.”

The main issues are fossil-fuel dependence, import reliance, inadequate and ageing grids, and high price volatility, it says.

 Mousouroulis adds, “In spite of the rapid progress of renewables and efficiency measures, the EU’s gross available energy remains dominated by oil and gas, with a very high rate of import dependency.

“Europe’s energy supply must become more independent and more resilient, and storage is central to this effort.” 

Against this backdrop, the Committee calls on the Commission to put forward common guidelines and plans to advance the development of the EU’s storage capacity.

As no single storage technology can address all system needs, it is crucial, adds the EESC, to deploy a coordinated portfolio of complementary technologies, taking into account particular regional circumstances and needs.