European Industry Unites at Barcelona Trade Fair

The first edition of the Battery & ES Tech Europe congress opened today at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona, bringing together more than 100 companies, institutions and associations alongside over 70 international experts. The event, running on 8 and 9 September 2026, aims to strengthen Europe’s technological independence in the battery and energy storage sector, which has long been dominated by Asian manufacturers. Santi Blanco, development director at Fira de Barcelona, stated that the congress is designed to boost industrial competitiveness by connecting suppliers, producers and researchers across the continent. "Until now, it was an industry fully dominated by Asian manufacturers, and we must seek European technological independence," he said.

Safety and Innovation in Focus

Among the exhibitors is German firm Asecos, represented in Spain and Portugal by commercial delegate Carlos Rodríguez. The company showcased a fire-resistant safety cabinet designed for charging and storing lithium batteries, capable of containing a fire for more than 90 minutes. These cabinets, priced between €3,000 and €12,000, are aimed at facilities managing large numbers of batteries used in scooters, bikes, cars and trucks. Rodríguez warned that while lithium batteries are generally reliable, risks arise from improper handling, impacts or faulty charging. "The objective of these cabinets is to safely guarantee charging and provide reaction time in case of fire or short circuit," he explained.

The objective of these cabinets is to safely guarantee charging and provide reaction time in case of fire or short circuit.

Catalonia Leads in Energy Storage Approvals

Catalan research centres are also playing a key role. Agustí Chico, technological director at Battech and Eurecat, presented a modular battery system with easily replaceable, reusable and recyclable components. The design supports sustainability goals and aligns with European ambitions for circular economy practices in battery production. According to data compiled by Red Eléctrica as of March 2026, Catalonia leads Spain in approved energy storage projects, with 2,021 megawatts authorised, surpassing Andalusia's 1,751 MW. An additional 2,191 MW await administrative resolution, ranking Catalonia second nationally in pipeline capacity behind Castilla-La Mancha.

  • Battery & ES Tech Europe covers the entire value chain: raw materials, manufacturing, testing, safety, policy and recycling.
  • Key participants include Omron, Acciona, Endesa, Naturgy, EDP Renewables, CIC energiGUNE and SolarPower Europe.
  • The event is supported by the Spanish government’s CDTI, the Generalitat de Catalunya via ACCIÓ, and technology hubs like IREC and Eurecat.

Blanco highlighted that stringent EU regulations set to take effect in 2027 will be a turning point for the sector, pushing Europe toward self-sufficiency in critical battery technologies.

Reported by cope.es, firabarcelona.com.