Big batteries are taking off in Europe and are set to become a major contributor to the energy transition worldwide.

In Europe, deployment has now reached a critical inflection point. Annual utility-scale BESS installations doubled between 2024 and 2025, while cumulative capacity surpassed 100 GW for the first time over the same period.

These insights come from new analysis by Wood Mackenzie, led by EMEA principal analyst for energy storage Anna Darmani. Anna joined The Smarter E podcast to reflect on recent developments – and what’s next for utility-scale BESS deployment heading into 2026.

Join host Jonathan Gifford for an overview of the key utility-scale battery trends and their impact on Europe’s energy markets.

Follow The smarter E Podcast for more global insights into the clean energy transition, and don’t forget to rate and review if you enjoy the show!