Italy added more energy storage capacity in 2024 despite fewer installations, as larger utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) exceeding 1 MWh dominated the market, according to a new report by industry group Anie.
Grid operator Terna's registration data show a decline in residential and C&I solar PV storage installations, according to the Anie division of national business organization Confindustria.
"Installed [solar battery storage] capacity increased from 507 MWh, in 2023, to 3,359 MWh in 2024 while installed [battery energy storage systems] power [capacity] increased from 222 MW to 851 MW," wrote Anie Confindustria. "In 2024, 14 new standalone [battery] storage plants, [each] exceeding 10 MWh, entered into operation, including two of approximately 800 MWh each. These 14 new installations [incentivized by] the [grid] capacity market auctions, brought a total of 3,310 MWh of capacity and 811 MW of power into the grid."
By contrast, solar-backed "residential" solar battery storage – defined as having a capacity of less than 20 kWh – saw a 29% fall in the number of batteries, a 33% fall in total energy storage capacity, and a 32% reduction in rated power. That was largely due to the shuttering of the "Superbonus" tax deduction which applied to homes which undertook energy efficiency renovations.
battery energy storage systems (BESS) with a capacity of 20 kWh to 1 MWh, defined as "C&I" systems, saw a 26% decline in installations, 16% fall in energy storage capacity, and 34% retreat in rated power, compared with 2023. Anie Confindustria said that was down to uncertainty over the final shape of the government's Industry 5.0 Plan to renovate the nation's manufacturing base with energy-transition-ready equipment.
Analysts, including speakers at a conference during the NetZero Milan event, are expecting a reversal in fortune for C&I energy storage this year.
