Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are no longer just a promising technology, they’re now a cornerstone of Europe’s clean energy transition. In 2025, the momentum gained in 2023 and 2024 continues, driven by falling cell prices, rising revenues, and a surge in developer activity across the European continent. And nowhere is this more evident than in Belgium.
Belgium’s solar boom and the rise of flexibility
In 2023, Belgium installed a record-breaking 2.6 GW of solar capacity, which triggered a fivefold increase in negative pricing events throughout 2024. These market dynamics created more frequent imbalances, underscoring the vital role of batteries in stabilising the grid. As a result, Centrica Energy’s optimised flexible assets in Belgium captured significantly higher revenues per MW in 2024 compared to the previous year.
In 2024 our gross value captured for grid-scale BESS in the Centrica Energy portfolio reached €535,000 EUR/MW, with an average of 1.28 cycles/day and €572 EUR/MWh discharged. That’s a +32% performance increase year-on-year—achieved with just a 2.4% increase in cycling.
Verified performance and transparent results
Working with us also means full transparency, which includes disclosing our verified performance and results. Our 2024 BESS optimisation results, contract principles, and Elia data were audited and verified by independent auditor Deloitte on 24 April 2025, reinforcing our commitment to transparency and trust.
Our Belgian portfolio is built on robust technical foundations:
- Front-the-Meter TSO-Connected Assets
- VPP Enabled
- >95% Availability for Centrica BESS
- RTE 99%
- 2-hour LFP Batteries
These specifications ensure high reliability and responsiveness, enabling us to deliver consistent value across volatile markets.
Algorithms, AI, and adaptability
The success of our 2024 performance stems from the synergy between our algorithm development, trading, and portfolio teams. Leveraging our multi-country footprint, we continuously refine our strategies to adapt to local market conditions.
Our advanced state-of-charge management, AI-enhanced forecasting, and hybrid trading strategies have been instrumental in boosting efficiency and maximising returns.
Scaling across Europe
After doubling our European BESS Optimisation portfolio in 2024, we’ve maintained solid performance into the first half of 2025, despite increasingly competitive and dynamic markets. From the UK to the EU, we at Centrica Energy continue to lead the battery revolution.
And the importance of BESS is now echoed at the highest levels. In her September 2025 State of the European Union address, Ursula Von der Leyen called batteries a “key enabler” of clean power, which validates the strategic role of storage in Europe’s energy future.
Let’s talk strategy
Whether you're exploring merchant optimisation, risk hedging, or multimarket strategies, we offer tailored solutions to help you manage and monetise your renewable and storage assets. Our flexible models. including partial tolling and financial swaps, are designed to balance upside potential with bankable stability.
