The energy transition

Cost of storage technologies to fall in the period to 2030 and open up new business models: Roland Berger study

Though energy storage has been around for more than 100 years, it is set to become a critical element of the energy system. Playing a key role in matching supply and demand, energy storage is close to the core business of the traditional utility companies. In fact, energy storage will represent a major business opportunity for them. Since convincing and profitable business models for energy storage have not yet emerged, utilities are in a good position to seize this opportunity now and avoid their actions being pre-empted by new entrants.

The latest Roland Berger study, Business models in energy storage, shows that storage technologies will become essential elements of the energy transition. They will match fluctuating supply from intermittent wind and solar energy sources with variable demand. “There are many different technologies for energy storage, from large pumped-hydro systems to small-scale batteries at home. Conversion from power into gas or fuels that can then be stored for later use is feasible as well,” explains Eric Confais, Partner at Roland Berger. “What these technologies share is that they are still immature. Their high costs are deterring large-scale deployment, but costs are expected to go down fast. Only then will we be able to see which business models for storage work under real economic conditions.”
Many opportunities for deployment in the system

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