With energy storage systems playing a crucial role in the energy transition, the storage systems market has been heralded as one of the most significant growth sectors of the coming years.

Munich, February 20, 2014 - With energy storage systems playing a crucial role in the energy transition, the storage systems market has been heralded as one of the most significant growth sectors of the coming years. In addition to being essential for optimizing on-site energy consumption and ensuring power grids remain efficient and safe, storage systems are a mainstay of the e-mobility of the future. For this reason, Intersolar Europe has chosen to expand its areas of focus this year by introducing the ees - electrical energy storage exhibition and, as a result, now presents a full spectrum of products in the fields of solar power production and electrical energy storage. Dedicated ees sessions ensure that the topic of energy storage systems also takes center stage at the Intersolar Europe Conference. This year additionally sees the electrical energy storage (ees) AWARD being presented for the first time to especially innovative solutions in the area of energy storage. Meanwhile, decision-makers and interested attendees have the opportunity to discuss the latest market trends at the ees pavilion (in cooperation with IBESA).

According to the market research institute IHS Inc. (Englewood, USA), the market for grid-connected energy storage systems is on the verge of rapid expansion. The worldwide capacity of grid-connected energy storage systems currently stands at 340 megawatts (MW) but IHS are expecting this figure to rise to 6 gigawatts (GW) by 2017 and to a staggering 40 GW by 2022. The market research institute has identified the USA, Germany and Japan as the sector's key markets. It puts the dramatic market growth down to the burgeoning demand for storage capacities brought about by the increased proportion of power generated using renewable energy as well as the resulting objectives and incentive systems.

The entire value-added chain of battery and energy storage technologies

Storing solar power not only enables private and commercial installation owners to enjoy independence from rising energy costs but also allows them to make an active investment in the generation of environmentally friendly energy. When used intelligently, the systems also benefit the public power grids by allowing the power generated to be increasingly consumed on site, which may protect the power grids from being overloaded, particularly at peak times. This set of circumstances has resulted in energy storage systems becoming one of the key technologies for securing the success of the energy transition. Batteries and energy storage systems also play a vital role in the development of e-mobility.

Around 260 of the 1,000 exhibitors expected to attend ees and Intersolar Europe from June 4-6 are set to showcase their products at both events. Ranging from suppliers and manufacturers to distributors, these exhibitors will form the world's largest industry platform for storage systems presented in combination with photovoltaics solutions. In hall B1, visitors can discover the entire value-added chain of innovative battery and energy storage technologies, from individual components and production to concrete examples of application.

Comprehensive Conference Program in the area of energy storage

The Intersolar Europe Conference 2014 runs alongside the ees exhibition from June 2-4 and sheds light on markets, technologies and how to use electrical energy storage systems. This year, more than 400 speakers and 2,000 attendees from over 50 countries are expected to take part in the conference. A total of seven ees sessions provide an overview of the trends and latest developments relating to energy storage systems. Three sessions examine the topics of markets, technologies and small-scale applications on Monday, June 2, while Tuesday is dedicated to large-scale applications, second-use concepts and recycling. The last day of the conference, Wednesday, June 4, focuses on the topics of battery safety and production technologies.

electrical energy storage (ees) AWARD for particularly innovative storage solutions

The electrical energy storage (ees) AWARD is being introduced by Intersolar this year to honor outstanding products and solutions in the fields of materials, production, systems technology, applications, second-use concepts and recycling. The winners of the electrical energy storage AWARD are set to be announced at an official ceremony at Intersolar Europe in Munich on June 4, 2014.

Companies wishing to apply for the electrical energy storage (ees) AWARD can find more information on the homepage at www.intersolarglobal.com/award. All applications must be submitted between February 1 and March 28, 2014.

ees pavilion in cooperation with IBESA

In addition to the activities of the International Battery and Energy Storage Alliance (IBESA), the latest innovations, products and services in the field of electrical energy storage are being presented at the ees pavilion. Moreover, the ees forum provides a comprehensive program throughout the exhibition on all matters concerning storage and provides high-quality market information. All visitors and interested parties are warmly welcome to attend.

electrical energy storage (ees) takes place alongside Intersolar Europe at Messe München from June 4-6.

Further information on electrical energy storage (ees) can be found at www.ees-europe.com.

About electrical energy storage (ees)
electrical energy storage (ees) is the international exhibition for batteries, energy storage systems and innovative manufacturing processes. It makes its debut in 2014, taking place in conjunction with Intersolar Europe, the world's largest exhibition for the solar industry and its partners.

Around 260 manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and research institutes are expected to showcase products and services from the entire value-added chain of innovative battery and energy storage technologies at ees and Intersolar Europe. Together, Intersolar Europe and ees form the world's largest industry platform for storage systems presented in combination with photovoltaics solutions. A total of 1,000 exhibitors are anticipated to attend the two exhibitions in 2014.

The accompanying three-day specialist conference consolidates the topics of electrical energy storage (ees) and Intersolar Europe. At the conference, a total of seven dedicated ees sessions provide an overview of the latest energy storage system developments. In 2013, more than 400 speakers and around 2,000 attendees discussed current industry topics and shed light on the background to technological, market and political developments.

Intersolar Europe and electrical energy storage (ees) are organized by Solar Promotion GmbH, Pforzheim and Freiburg Wirtschaft Touristik und Messe GmbH & Co. KG.