Storage and flexibility are key to the energy transition
17.07.2025
At the press conference on the new study by the Federal Association Photovoltaic Austria together with APG, IEE, and d-fine, Sonja Wogrin presented the study’s findings.
At today’s press conference, the Federal Association Photovoltaic Austria (PV Austria) presented the results of a joint study with Austrian Power Grid (APG), the Institute of Electricity Economics and Energy Innovation (IEE), and the consulting firm d-fine. The study analyzes the storage and flexibility requirements that will arise in Austria’s future electricity system by 2050, with a particular focus on the years 2030 and 2040.
The aim of the study was to identify the challenges of an increasingly electrified and decentralized energy system and to show how short-term (intra-day), medium-term, and seasonal energy shifts can be managed in the future. To this end, a cross-sector European energy system optimization model developed and operated by APG was used.
The results are clear. Battery storage, both in households and at utility scale, will be expanded to a total capacity of 8.7 gigawatts by 2040. Pumped storage plants will also continue to gain importance as versatile storage technologies. Flexible gas-fired power plants using climate-neutral fuels, as well as sector coupling technologies such as electrolyzers and heat pumps, will also be essential for a resilient energy supply.
The study also emphasizes the crucial role of the transmission grid as a source of flexibility. It enables not only the efficient import of affordable electricity but is also key to integrating renewable energy sources.
The study shows that even in extreme scenarios such as prolonged periods of low solar and wind generation ("Dunkelflauten"), a secure energy supply can be ensured.
