Catalonia leads the way in battery storage: 2,400 MW now in the pipeline

The shift towards an energy system built on more renewables doesn't just depend on generating more solar or wind power. It also requires being able to store that energy and use it when needed. This is the area in which Catalonia wants to take the lead. Indeed, regional minister Sílvia Paneque states that the region is already a "pioneer and leader" in storage, with 2,400 MW of capacity in projects already in the pipeline.

To this figure can be added more than 1,800 MW of new projects currently in the pipeline, according to figures released by Paneque this Tuesday during a visit to the first edition of Battery & Energy Storage Tech Europe, the new Fira de Barcelona event dedicated to batteries and energy storage. The event began on Tuesday at the Gran Via venue and runs until Wednesday. This first edition brings together more than a hundred companies, institutions and associations, and over 70 international experts working in the sector.

Batteries, key to making the most of renewables

Paneque argued that storage will be key to better utilising the growth in renewable energy. Batteries make it possible to store electricity when output is high and use it later, when generation drops or demand rises. This, she said, allows for "a safer, more resilient system, and cheaper energy for our social and economic sectors."

On this point, Paneque argued that batteries must become "a first-rate industrial infrastructure in Catalonia," partly to reduce energy dependence. According to her, Catalans currently pay around €10 billion a year because of this dependence.

The minister acknowledged, however, that Catalonia is still running "somewhat behind" on rolling out renewables. At the same time, she highlighted that the first half of 2026 marked a turning point for solar power: according to figures provided by the Catalan government, installed solar capacity rose from 214 to 521 MW over those six months.

Constantí Serrallonga: "This is a fully strategic sector, and a key one for the technological sovereignty of Catalonia, Spain and Europe"

Barcelona launches a new battery-focused conference

The minister's visit took place as part of the first edition of Battery & Energy Storage Tech Europe, a new event putting Barcelona at the centre of the debate in an industry that is making strides with the electrification of the economy and the rollout of renewable energy. The conference will cover topics including battery storage systems, new technologies and chemistries, battery recycling and second-life use, as well as regulation and financing. 

More than 50 companies and organisations are taking part in the exhibition area, with representatives from across the sector's value chain. Participants include energy companies such as Acciona, Endesa, Naturgy, EDP Renewables and Neoen, along with research centres and bodies such as Eurecat, IREC, the CDTI and ACCIÓ. The new conference aims to bring together companies, research centres and public authorities to tackle some of the challenges that will shape the development of energy storage in Europe.

"This is a fully strategic sector, and a key one for the technological sovereignty of Catalonia, Spain and Europe," said Constantí Serrallonga, director general of Fira de Barcelona, who described this first edition as "a vote of confidence in the future from Fira de Barcelona" and praised the response from exhibitors and participating experts. Fira intends for the event to keep growing in the years ahead.

Meanwhile, Catalonia continues to advance new storage projects, a technology set to make better use of the region's growing renewable capacity while adding flexibility and security to the electricity system.