Battery developers face expertise gap as market expands

The rapid growth of battery energy storage systems in Europe is currently outstripping available industry expertise and the development of regulatory frameworks. According to renewable energy producer BNZ, these projects require significantly more active management and technical specialization compared to traditional solar and wind assets. This gap is driving a shift toward strategic partnerships to navigate complex permitting, grid infrastructure constraints, and evolving revenue models.

Gabriele Sommantico, head of business development at BNZ, highlights that while battery storage is essential for Europe’s energy transition, the sector faces unique hurdles. Unlike established solar and wind projects, many battery developments are moving forward within regulatory environments that are still being defined. This forces developers to simultaneously manage technical, commercial, and permitting processes to capitalize on market opportunities before they shift.

The speed of deployment is also revealing significant bottlenecks in administrative systems and physical grid infrastructure. Sommantico noted that permitting is becoming increasingly complex, with local opposition occasionally causing further project delays. Because utility-scale battery storage is a relatively new field, specialized expertise is scarce, making it difficult for developers to find the necessary talent to manage these multifaceted projects independently.

To mitigate these risks, BNZ emphasizes the necessity of long-term partnerships between developers, investors, and technology suppliers. These collaborations are vital for guaranteeing system performance and navigating regional permitting requirements, especially as revenue models grow more complex. Modern BESS projects often rely on a combination of energy trading, grid services, and renewable integration, requiring sophisticated asset management and local market knowledge to ensure financial viability.