Energy Storage Europe has welcomed the signing of the EU Tripartite Agreement on Energy Storage, describing it as the strongest political recognition of the sector at European level while calling for further measures to accelerate deployment.
The agreement, signed on the margins of the EU Energy Council meeting in Luxembourg, brings together the European Commission, 22 EU member states, industry and financial institutions with the aim of accelerating energy storage deployment across Europe. Member states have pledged to support between 30GW and 35GW of new storage capacity over the 2026–2028 period.
In a statement, Energy Storage Europe said the agreement represents an important political milestone but stressed that implementation would be critical.
Patrick Clerens, Secretary General of Energy Storage Europe, said: “Today’s Tripartite Agreement for Energy Storage is the most comprehensive political recognition of energy storage at EU level to date. For the first time, the European Commission, Member States, financial institutions and industry are brought together around a common short-term agenda for storage deployment.
“Energy Storage Europe stands ready to support delivery of this Agreement and to work with the Commission, Member States, financial institutions and industry partners on the strategic roadmap that must follow.”
Tripartite agreement an essential component of Europe’s energy transition
The association said the agreement recognises energy storage as an essential component of Europe’s energy transition and industrial competitiveness, while providing a framework for coordinated action between policymakers, industry and investors.
Under the agreement, project developers will provide annual forecasts of new energy storage and hybrid renewable projects, while energy-intensive industries have committed to developing storage projects at their own sites and providing greater visibility of their electricity demand. Member states have pledged to remove regulatory barriers, support enabling network tariffs and, where appropriate, provide financial support for storage deployment and manufacturing in line with EU State aid rules. Financial institutions will work to improve access to finance and increase investment in storage projects.
Energy Storage Europe said the tripartite agreement should now be complemented by further policy measures to provide long-term investment certainty and support European manufacturing.
The association called for strategic EU action to ensure the political commitment translates into rapid deployment of energy storage technologies across the bloc, supporting lower electricity prices, greater energy security and increased integration of renewable generation.
