This question came up yesterday at the 4WARD VC roundtable with energy CEOs, and it's a good one. Two days ago I posted about the rise of VC funding of batteries. That’s an early sign of coming change, but the change itself is not yet here.
It’s actually pretty natural for batteries to lag behind renewables. Research shows that you need at least 30% of renewable energy in your grid before batteries become essential to balance the system. That need spikes once you hit 60% penetration.
Right now, renewables account for 43% of total installed capacity, but they’re only generating 8% of electricity. So, in most cases, it’s just too early for batteries to take the spotlight. The exceptions? Countries where renewables already have surpassed the 30% mark. You’ll know them by the battery co-location requirements their governments impose on new renewable projects.
So, for most of the world, it’s a waiting game. But that tipping point is coming. ⏳