The future of energy isn’t just renewable—it’s reliable, responsive, and radically smarter. At WElink Energy, WE believe battery energy storage systems (BESS) are the cornerstone technology that will unlock the next era of clean power. As Europe and Africa accelerate toward their climate goals, BESS is becoming central to building the resilient, flexible grids needed for a carbon-neutral future.
Why BESS is rising fast
Across Europe, the demand for battery storage is surging. According to SolarPower Europe, 17.2 GWh of new BESS capacity was installed in 2023 alone—a 94% increase over the previous year. This trend is more than a spike; it marks a fundamental shift in how countries manage energy. With solar and wind power rapidly scaling up, storage is essential to ensure that renewable energy doesn’t go to waste when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing.
Europe is expected to reach 260 GWh of installed battery storage capacity by 2028. Behind this momentum is a recognition that renewables alone aren’t enough—WE need flexibility, and BESS provides just that.
The economic case for energy storage
Battery energy storage is no longer just an environmental imperative—it’s also an economic one. As highlighted in recent analysis by Boston Consulting Group and the University of Cambridge, the cost of inaction on climate change far outweighs the investment needed to transition to clean energy. BESS enables energy arbitrage, frequency response, and grid balancing, all of which contribute to greater cost-efficiency in energy systems.
At WElink, WE see BESS as a powerful enabler of smart energy management. Through dynamic energy trading and real-time optimization, our BESS assets aren’t just storing electrons—they’re actively generating value.
Figure: Comparative analysis of six European electricity systems
Europe’s evolving energy landscape
Regulatory progress is also helping pave the way. The EU’s Electricity Market Design reform and dedicated storage strategies in countries like Spain and Italy are creating more attractive conditions for developers and investors. Germany, the UK, and Italy now lead the continent in BESS readiness, thanks to grid modernization efforts, supportive capacity markets, and a clear political will to expand storage.
But challenges remain. Double taxation, grid access delays, and inconsistent policies across member states still hinder progress. At WElink, WE actively navigate these obstacles through strategic partnerships and smart project siting. Our approach is built on readiness and resilience.
Why WElink is investing in BESS
WElink Energy has always been focused on accelerating the energy transition—not just through large-scale solar and wind development, but by making renewable energy more dependable, dispatchable, and accessible.
Our approach to battery energy storage is guided by five core principles:
- Strategic grid positioning – WE site our BESS projects to deliver maximum impact where grid flexibility is needed most.
- First-mover advantage – WE are leading the implementation of BESS in high-growth markets across Europe and Africa.
- End-to-end lifecycle management – From development to decommissioning, WE own the full journey of our storage assets.
- Energy trading and optimization – WE deploy advanced analytics and automation to capture every market opportunity.
- Sustainability alignment – Every project is designed to help meet EU and national net-zero targets.
From our flagship Solara4 hybrid project in Portugal to our pipeline of BESS-ready developments in Spain and Italy, WE’re proving that storage isn’t just the future—it’s already here.
SOLARA4: A blueprint for hybrid innovation
Solara4 started as Europe’s largest unsubsidized solar plant. Today, it is evolving into a 600+ MW hybrid powerhouse with solar, wind, and a 100 MW battery storage system. Located in Alcoutim, Portugal, Solara4 has been granted Potential National Interest (PIN) status—a recognition of its strategic importance to the country’s energy future.
This project embodies WElink’s vision: build integrated, flexible, and scalable clean energy infrastructure. The BESS component at Solara4 will not only store excess solar and wind power for peak demand hours but will also help stabilize the grid, reduce curtailment, and open doors to corporate offtakers seeking green, reliable power.
Investing in the future of energy
BESS is fast becoming one of Europe’s most investable asset classes. According to Rabobank, projects with strong tolling agreements, secured grid connections, and IRRs above 10% are attracting growing institutional interest. Markets like Germany, the UK, and Italy offer particularly strong fundamentals, but even in emerging regions, opportunity is abundant for those who are prepared.
At WElink, WE don’t just build storage—WE build investable, bankable energy infrastructure. Our projects are shaped by robust financial modeling, regulatory foresight, and a relentless focus on performance.
The road ahead
Battery storage is no longer a “nice-to-have” in the energy transition. It is the backbone of a flexible, affordable, and sustainable energy system. Whether it’s stabilizing frequency, storing surplus solar, or enabling clean baseload capacity, BESS is proving its worth.
As Europe moves closer to its 2030 and 2050 climate targets, WElink Energy is proud to play a leading role in scaling the technologies that will power a better tomorrow.
The future is flexible. The future is stored. And at WElink, WE’re building it.
