Traditional power plants have long provided essential services such as frequency regulation, voltage control, inertia, and black start capabilities. Now, batteries equipped with grid-forming inverters can deliver all these services faster, cheaper, and cleaner.
Case studies from around the world show that batteries can stabilise grids within milliseconds, preventing blackouts and cutting costs for consumers.
Grid Stability 2.0
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Several EU countries are already leading the way: Italy requires large batteries (>20 MW) to include black start capabilities. Germany will introduce auctions for inertia and black start services from 2026. Ireland and the UK have integrated batteries in their national stability programs, achieving major system savings.
But across most of Europe, the potential remains untapped. To ensure a stable, secure, and decarbonised power system, Europe must unlock the flexibility and stability potential of inverter-based technologies.
To allow grid-forming inverters to support grid stability, EU policymakers must create a clear framework:
Use market-based procurement for grid-stability services
EU and national regulators must shift from mandatory or bilateral procurement schemes to market-based, technology-neutral tenders for services such as inertia, voltage control, and black start capabilities.
Define harmonised EU standards and certification procedures
The EU must establish clear definitions, performance-based requirements and, where needed, more detailed standards and certification procedures for grid-forming behaviour.
Improve transparency and coordination
Require grid operators to publish grid-stability needs and assessments, guiding investment in storage and advanced inverters.
Support studies and demonstrations
Fund large-scale pilots for inverter-based grid stability and black start solutions to strengthen operator readiness and accelerate deployment.
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