EV batteries could prevent renewable energy waste in Europe

Repurposing retired electric vehicle (EV) batteries could address significant energy waste and infrastructure bottlenecks within the European energy grid. According to a 2026 report by consultancy AFRY, commissioned by the non-profit Beyond Fossil Fuels, the continent faces a massive backlog in renewable energy integration.

Currently, 375 gigawatts of clean energy projects and 455 gigawatts of battery storage projects are stalled in distribution network queues across Europe. This delay affects over 100 billion euros worth of renewable energy projects, hindering the adoption of solar panels and heat pumps while energy bills rise.

The issue stems from an aging grid originally designed for centralized coal and gas plants, whereas renewable sources like wind and solar are often located in remote or offshore areas. Because renewable production is weather-dependent and does not always align with demand, excess supply can lead to negative electricity prices, forcing operators to curtail production. In 2024 alone, the EU curtailed ten terawatt-hours of renewable energy, resulting in an estimated 4.3 billion euro loss.