European energy storage leaders emphasise regulatory reforms and industrial potential at ESGC 2025
The Energy Storage Global Conference 2025, held from 14 to 16 October in Brussels, has once again underscored the transformative role of energy storage in Europe’s transition to a sustainable and secure energy future. Hosted by the Energy Storage Europe Association, the event attracted over 400 stakeholders including industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and exhibitors, all focused on the evolving energy storage landscape with specific attention to the Benelux region.
Opening the conference, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen delivered a memorable analogy, likening the absence of energy storage in the system to receiving a toy on Christmas morning without batteries. His remarks highlighted the sector’s critical importance not only in mitigating climate change but also in reducing Europe’s dependence on Russian gas and maintaining energy affordability. This perspective was reinforced by Emily Burlinghaus from the US-based Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), who pointed to the global momentum in the industry despite ongoing policy uncertainties. She noted that surging demand driven by data centres and artificial intelligence is accelerating the installation of energy storage solutions on both sides of the Atlantic.
The conference also shone a spotlight on the industrial opportunities presented by energy storage. Marion Labatut of EDF noted that over 60% of European industrial heat requirements could be electrified using mature technologies, signalling a significant potential for decarbonisation within sectors traditionally reliant on fossil fuels. This aligns closely with the broader ambition across Europe to scale up energy storage capacity in order to support renewable energy integration and grid reliability.
Regulatory reform emerged as a pivotal theme throughout the conference. Julia Majewska from DG Competition at the European Commission stressed that effective energy market reforms across member states could eventually render state aid unnecessary. In such a scenario, energy storage assets would be able to secure revenues directly from the market, enhancing their financial viability and encouraging further investment. This echoes a widely held industry view that an improved regulatory environment is essential to unlocking the full potential of energy storage technologies.
The event featured an extensive programme with 62 speakers and 16 exhibitors, providing a rich forum for dialogue and exchange. Industry consultancy LCP sponsored the conference and facilitated a nuanced discussion about the merits and trade-offs between stand-alone energy storage solutions, hybrid systems combining storage with renewable energy sources, and hybrid configurations integrating different storage technologies. Meanwhile, DNV’s participation included a key panel on the evolving market dynamics for long-duration energy storage in Europe, emphasising the sector’s strategic importance in providing reliable, flexible capacity over extended periods.
The Energy Storage Global Conference continues to serve as an essential platform for fostering collaboration and innovation in the sector. With over 400 delegates from across the globe, numerous networking opportunities, and a dynamic exhibition space, the event has solidified its role in driving forward a sustainable, affordable, and resilient European energy system. The focus on the Benelux region further underscores the area's growing position as a hub for energy storage development and policy experimentation.
As the global energy landscape rapidly evolves, the insights and commitments emerging from ESGC 2025 point to energy storage as an indispensable element in the continent’s green transition, offering pragmatic solutions that balance economic, environmental, and geopolitical imperatives.