Spain Joins Forces with European Nations for Battery & Energy Storage Tech Europe 2026
Spain is gearing up to collaborate with Poland, Finland, Belgium, and several other nations as it prepares to participate in the Battery & Energy Storage Tech Europe 2026. This event is set to place energy storage at the forefront of Europe’s industrial transformation, uniting governments, technology companies, battery manufacturers, researchers, and investors under one roof. The congress aims to foster collaboration on innovation, regulation, and sustainable growth, showcasing advanced battery technologies and emerging energy solutions that could significantly bolster Europe’s industrial future.
A Platform for Innovation and Collaboration
Organized by Fira de Barcelona, the Battery & Energy Storage Tech Europe 2026 will serve as a pivotal gathering for experts, innovators, policymakers, and businesses dedicated to battery technologies and energy storage solutions. The event is designed to bridge the gap between industry and research, examining how advanced storage technologies are becoming essential for Europe’s long-term industrial competitiveness and clean energy ambitions.
With around fifty speakers from leading battery developers, renewable energy companies, research institutions, and public organizations, the congress will feature keynote presentations, technical discussions, and collaborative networking opportunities. Participants will exchange practical experiences and explore how energy storage is reshaping electricity systems, industrial production, transport, and sustainable economic growth across Europe.
The Rising Importance of Energy Storage
Energy storage has rapidly evolved from a supporting technology to a strategic pillar of Europe’s energy transition. As renewable energy generation expands across the continent, battery storage systems have become crucial for balancing electricity supply and demand, enhancing grid reliability, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Current industry forecasts indicate that the energy storage sector is worth nearly €58 billion. With increasing investments in renewable power, electric mobility, and smart grids, battery technologies are expected to remain central to Europe’s industrial strategy for years to come, creating opportunities for innovation, manufacturing, and sustainable employment.
Key Themes of the Congress
The congress program is structured around four major themes that reflect the industry’s current priorities and future direction:
- Industrial and Emerging Applications
- Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
- Recycling and Second-Life Battery Technologies
- Policy and Regulatory Developments
Each thematic session is designed to encourage collaboration among manufacturers, developers, researchers, and policymakers. Discussions will not only focus on technological advances but will also delve into commercial implementation, market readiness, environmental sustainability, and the regulatory frameworks necessary for large-scale deployment.
Insights from Industry Leaders
The congress will welcome senior executives from major international organizations driving innovation in battery storage and renewable energy. Their participation underscores the growing importance of collaboration between private industry and public institutions in accelerating Europe’s transition toward a cleaner and more resilient energy system.
Confirmed speakers include:
- Christian Barba, International Business Development and Storage Senior Director at EDP Renewables
- Naim El Chami, Battery Technical Expert at Neoen
- Pablo Fernández-Santos, Managing Director of Basquevolt
- Graeme Purdy, CEO of Ilika
- Veeral Hardev, Vice President of Business Development at Blue Current
- Alex Cipolla, Project Director at the Volta Foundation
These industry leaders are expected to provide valuable insights into battery innovation, commercial deployment strategies, and the future evolution of energy storage technologies.
The Role of Policy and Regulation
While technological innovation is progressing rapidly, industry experts agree that supportive regulation and coordinated public policy are essential for sustainable growth. One of the congress’s most anticipated discussions will focus on the regulatory environment governing battery manufacturing, investment, and deployment across Europe.
Prominent institutional representatives participating in these discussions include José Moisés Martín, Director General of the Centre for Technological Development and Innovation (CDTI), and Joan González Fabra, Head of R+D Policies at the Battery European Partnership Association (BEPA). Their sessions will explore funding opportunities, research priorities, industrial competitiveness, and the regulatory measures required to strengthen Europe’s battery ecosystem.
Perspectives from Industry Associations
The congress also recognizes the importance of industry associations in supporting collaboration, setting standards, and promoting innovation throughout the battery value chain. Representatives from influential European organizations will contribute their expertise on the opportunities and challenges facing the rapidly expanding energy storage market.
Confirmed participants include:
- Jean Louis Cols, Vice-President of Flow Batteries Europe
- Simon Steffgen, Industry Referent of BVES
- Giorgio Travaini, Executive Director of Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking
- Sonja Risteka, Head of the Battery Storage Europe Platform at SolarPower Europe
- Francisco Carranza, Member of the Supervisory Board of the Upcell Alliance
Their contributions are expected to provide broader perspectives on market development, industrial cooperation, and Europe’s strategic priorities.
The Intersection of Science and Technology
Scientific innovation remains a key driver behind the evolution of battery technologies. The congress program reflects this by bringing together leading researchers working across materials science, battery chemistry, digital technologies, and artificial intelligence. Their presentations will examine how scientific advances are accelerating improvements in battery performance, safety, sustainability, and lifecycle management.
Confirmed scientific speakers include:
- Laura Simonelli, Beamline Group Leader at the ALBA Synchrotron
- Leire Zubizarreta, Head of Battery Materials at ITE
- Óscar Miguel, Deputy Director at CIDETEC
- Pol Torres, Head of the Artificial Intelligence line applied to energy at Eurecat
Their research spans advanced battery materials and emerging storage technologies.
Exploring Innovation Beyond Manufacturing
The congress will also explore how artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and advanced analytics are transforming energy storage across the entire value chain. AI-powered optimization, predictive maintenance, and intelligent energy management systems are becoming integral to improving operational efficiency while extending battery performance throughout their lifecycle.
Another important area of discussion will be recycling and second-life applications, which are gaining attention as Europe seeks to build a circular economy around battery production. By recovering valuable materials and extending battery use beyond their first operational life, companies aim to reduce environmental impact while strengthening the resilience of Europe’s critical raw material supply chains.
Exhibition and Networking Opportunities
In addition to the conference program, Battery & Energy Storage Tech Europe 2026 will host an exhibition featuring around fifty companies representing various areas of the energy storage ecosystem. The exhibition will showcase new technologies, battery systems, software solutions, research projects, and commercial services that demonstrate the industry’s ongoing pace of innovation.
The event is expected to attract nearly one hundred companies through its exhibition, congress sessions, and networking activities, creating opportunities for manufacturers, investors, researchers, startups, and policymakers to establish partnerships. These interactions are likely to support future research collaborations, commercial agreements, and cross-border initiatives that strengthen Europe’s leadership in clean energy technologies.
A Strategic Platform for Europe’s Energy Future
Battery & Energy Storage Tech Europe 2026 arrives at a crucial moment as governments, industries, and research institutions accelerate efforts to decarbonize economies while improving energy security. By bringing together expertise from every part of the battery ecosystem, the event aims to foster practical collaboration capable of supporting Europe’s long-term sustainability goals.
As investment in renewable energy continues to rise and electricity systems become increasingly dependent on efficient storage technologies, the congress is expected to reinforce the vital role batteries will play in Europe’s future. Through discussions on innovation, regulation, artificial intelligence, recycling, and industrial development, the event will help shape the next generation of solutions driving the continent’s clean energy transition.
