Energy Leaders Highlight the Critical Role of Storage in the Energy Transition

17 October 2025 — The Energy Storage Global Conference 2025 (ESGC 2025), held from 14–16 October, brought together industry stakeholders to discuss the latest developments in energy storage policies and markets, with an additional focus on the Benelux region.

Throughout the three-day event, speakers underscored the rapid growth of the energy storage sector and its pivotal role as the cornerstone of the energy transition.

Dan Jørgensen, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, in the opening speech highlighted the crucial importance of energy storage:

“Europe is facing three major challenges: achieving independence from Russian gas; addressing the worsening effects of climate change; and maintaining competitiveness — keeping energy prices affordable for industry and citizens. Not having energy storage in the system is like receiving a toy on Christmas morning that has no batteries.”

Experts agreed that energy storage has become indispensable for the energy grid — not only in Europe but globally. Emily Burlinghaus, Director of Energy Storage Manufacturing & Supply Chain at the US-based Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), noted:

“Despite policy uncertainties, energy storage in both the USA and Europe had yet another record year. Growing energy demand from AI and data centres continues to drive the need for energy storage installations.” 

Speakers also emphasised the role of energy storage in industrial decarbonisation, while acknowledging that several challenges remain. Marion Labatut, European Affairs Director at EDF, provided some data:

“At least 60% of European industrial heat needs can be electrified with mature technologies.”

Lukasz Kolinski, Director for Green Transition and Energy System Integration at DG ENER, European Commission, added:

“In several regions, there is an abundance of electricity, leading to an increasing number of hours with negative prices. Flexible industries are well positioned to take advantage of these market conditions.”

The conference also addressed regulatory barriers that continue to hinder the deployment of energy storage. While some technologies or applications may require state aid, others can thrive in a well-functioning market. Julia Majewska, Case Handler at DG Competition, European Commission, stated:

“If Member States implement effective energy market reforms, there will be no need for state aid schemes, as energy storage will be able to earn the necessary revenues directly from the market.”

This eighth edition of the conference brought together over 300 industry stakeholders, 16 exhibitors and 62 speakers and moderators, highlighting the sector’s relevance and pointing the way forward for the energy industry.