Anna Bellart

Catalonia has one of Southern Europe's strongest industrial and innovation ecosystems, yet the deployment of renewable energy has progressed more slowly than anticipated. Accelerating renewable generation is essential to strengthen industrial competitiveness, reduce emissions and improve energy resilience.

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) can play a decisive role in unlocking this transition. By increasing grid flexibility and improving the technical and economic viability of renewable energy projects, BESS can help accelerate the deployment of new generation capacity. Their value is particularly significant in industrial environments, where they enable better energy management, facilitate the integration of on-site renewable generation, reduce peak demand and enhance the competitiveness of energy-intensive industries.

Beyond deployment, BESS also represent a major industrial opportunity. With a strong manufacturing base, leading research centres and ambitious energy and industrial policies, Catalonia has the assets to become a leading European hub for stationary battery storage.

This panel will bring together representatives from the Government of Catalonia, industry, research organisations and financial institutions to explore the key building blocks of a successful BESS ecosystem. The discussion will address how public policy can accelerate project deployment, how innovative financing can unlock investment, and how collaboration across the value chain can strengthen industrial capabilities and bring new technologies to market. Speakers will also share their perspectives on the opportunities and barriers for scaling up BESS in Catalonia, with a particular focus on supporting renewable energy deployment, industrial decarbonisation and long-term competitiveness.