Thermal energy storage can make steam for chemical industries and manufacturing economically viable, writes Martin Schichtel, CEO and Founder of Kraftblock.

It’s been a busy few weeks in the run-up to Christmas in Europe’s BESS project space, with M&A, final investment decisions (FID) and supplier deals in Germany, Belgium, Portugal, Italy, Finland, Romania and the UK totally around 800MW of capacity.

Renewable energy companies Akuo Energy and Voltalia have begun constructing projects in French overseas territories.

Lithium-ion OEM Hithium has unveiled a new, even larger format 1,300Ah battery cell for 8-hour BESS applications, alongside new related BESS products.

Global average prices for turnkey battery storage systems fell by almost a third year-over-year, with sharp cost declines expected to continue.

A total of around 4.9GW/14GWh of grid-scale BESS entered commercial operations around the world last month, a 29% fall year-on-year owing to an unusually slow month in China.

Trade association Energy Storage Europe (ESE) has welcomed proposed reforms to European Union (EU) grid connection and permitting processes.

The Ministry of the Environment in Poland has shortlisted projects for an energy storage capex support programme totalling 4.15 billion PLN (c.€1 billion), with 183 eligible to progress to the next round.

A trio of large-scale BESS announcements by major power firms of 700-800MWh capacity each in Germany show the country’s energy storage market moving into the new era of scale.

The recent introduction of 15-minute settlement periods across European power markets could result in significantly higher profits for battery storage asset operators.