BESS storage systems and flexibility for the energy transition of Italy’s power system
At the Electricity Market Report 2025, EF Solare Italia contributed to the debate on the future of the photovoltaic and renewable energy market
The electricity sector is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the growth of renewable energy and by the goal of building an increasingly decarbonized, efficient, and secure system. In this context, the ability to integrate photovoltaic systems, energy storage, and grid flexibility is key to accelerating the energy transition and ensuring a stable supply of clean energy for citizens and businesses.
A more renewable, participatory, and flexible electricity market
Once again, EF Solare Italia took part in Electricity Market 2025, the event organized by the Energy & Strategy Group of the Politecnico di Milano, which brings together institutions and market players to analyze the evolution of the electricity market and the prospects for green energy in Italy.
The new Electricity Market Report 2025 highlights three decisive directions for the future of the power system: renewable, participated, and flexible. On the renewable front, the share of clean energy continues to grow, although it still falls short of the PNIEC target of 63% of renewable energy generation by 2030. The participatory model is gaining traction with the expansion of Renewable Energy Communities (CERs), promoting shared and sustainable energy generation — currently more than 850 CACER configurations are active, including over 400 CERs. Finally, flexibility is emerging as a pillar for the security and management of the grid. Local flexibility projects are showing promising results, paving the way for a smarter, more integrated, and more resilient electricity system.
Storage and the security of the power system
During the event, Francesco Barberio, Head of Energy Management at EF Solare Italia, explored the topic of energy storage, an increasingly strategic element to ensure the security and stability of the national power system. The large-scale introduction of photovoltaic storage systems represents a key step in supporting the growth of renewable sources: by 2030, around 71 GWh of storage capacity will be needed, increasing to over 200 GWh by 2050.
Instruments such as the Capacity Market and MACSE (Electric Storage Capacity Market) are proving central to fostering new investments and making storage competitive. The latest MACSE auction, which awarded 10 GWh of storage capacity at prices lower than expected, confirms the start of a new phase for the sector and a concrete step toward a more efficient, low-CO₂ emissions system.
Three levers for a more competitive future
Barberio identified three key drivers for the development of storage in a highly competitive market like Italy:
1. Reduction of investment costs (Capex) through economies of scale, in-house development, and the entry of international suppliers that are particularly competitive in the market;
2. Optimization of the business model, combining revenue stability with market participation and diversified income streams;
3. Efficient operational risk management through long-term management contracts and careful planning of operating costs.
EF Solare Italia’s vision
EF Solare Italia is developing storage projects integrated with its solar plants and stand-alone to maximize photovoltaic energy generation and contribute to a more resilient system. “The development of storage is an essential step to support the growth of photovoltaic systems and renewable energy,” said Francesco Barberio, Head of Energy Management at EF Solare Italia. “Only by integrating storage and grid planning can we build a secure and flexible electricity system, capable of delivering green electricity that is reliable and accessible for citizens and businesses.”