Energy Storage Systems (ESS): Development, Outlook, Opportunities.

According to the latest publication by Terna, based on data updated to the second quarter of 2024, approximately 650,000 Energy Storage Systems (ESS) are currently operational in Italy, with a total installed capacity of 3.96 GW.

97% of these installations fall within the 10–25 kWh range, meaning they are primarily used in residential settings, typically paired with photovoltaic systems, within a distributed generation framework aimed at self-consumption.

It is likely that—with the progressive commissioning of utility-scale renewable energy plants, particularly photovoltaic—there will be a gradual shift in associated ESS toward higher capacity classes (above 1,000 kWh, according to the current classification adopted by Terna – Gaudì).

However, the development potential of ESS is not limited to this aspect. Over the past two years, there has been significant growth in applications for single authorization procedures (pursuant to Article 12 of Legislative Decree 387/2003) submitted to the Ministero dell’Ambiente e della Sicurezza Energetica – Department for Energy, concerning utility-scale “stand-alone” ESS. Under the current regulatory framework—particularly Law Decree 7/2002 and subsequent amendments—these systems are treated as power generation plants and, upon completion of the authorization process, are granted the status of public utility works, similarly to related infrastructure essential for their operation.

All of this confirms that utility-scale ESS, predominantly based on electrochemical technologies, are currently experiencing a rapid phase of business development, especially in certain geographical areas of Italy.

The introduction by Terna of the new mechanism for procuring electricity storage capacity (MACSE) has further amplified market interest among stakeholders. A recent Ministerial Decree, signed by Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, approved the MACSE framework proposed by Terna, with the first competitive auction currently expected in the second half of 2025.

Expanding the perspective beyond MACSE, it is reasonable to consider that areas such as the existing Capacity Market, combined with the implementation of ancillary services for grid management by both the Transmission System Operator (TSO) and Distribution System Operators (DSOs), will represent a natural field of application for utility-scale ESS—particularly in Central and Northern Italy—supporting various players across the national electricity market.

Within this complex and evolving context, also from a technological standpoint, InfraLab is actively developing a significant pipeline of utility-scale “stand-alone” ESS through a structured, multi-sector approach, with the goal of contributing to the expansion of renewable energy generation and to strengthening the resilience of Italy’s electricity grid.