Italy is accelerating its investment in energy storage technologies as part of its transition toward a more sustainable and resilient energy system. At the center of this effort are Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), which allow electricity to be stored and released when needed.
These large-scale battery installations, typically ranging from 20 to 200 megawatts, are becoming increasingly essential for managing renewable energy sources and stabilizing the power grid.
Globally, countries like the United States - particularly California - have made rapid progress in energy storage capacity. Italy, however, is also gaining ground and now accounts for about one-fifth of the European Union’s total large-scale battery capacity.
As of late 2025, Italy has installed 1.9 gigawatt-hours of storage capacity, marking a 40% increase compared to the previous year. Enel’s latest industrial plan includes doubling this capacity by 2028, with six new BESS plants to be built across Basilicata, Lazio, and Puglia.
These developments mark a significant step forward in enhancing energy security and supporting the expansion of renewable energy.