Regulatory Gaps and Compliance Costs

A new report by Energy Storage Europe warns that the inconsistent implementation of the NIS2 Directive across EU member states is significantly raising compliance costs and slowing down BESS deployment. The current EU cybersecurity framework contains notable accountability gaps, particularly concerning legacy assets, outsourced operations, special purpose vehicle structures, and manufacturers that do not have a legal entity within the European Union.

Inconsistent implementation of the NIS2 Directive across EU member states is raising compliance costs and slowing BESS deployment.

These divergences create a fragmented regulatory environment, making it difficult for developers and operators to scale their projects efficiently across borders. Meanwhile, the broader European market is seeing a surge in contracted battery capacity, which nearly quadrupled in 2025. In the EU, Poland accounts for 17% of this contracted capacity, Germany 15%, and Spain 7%, underscoring the growing need for secure, bankable assets.

Industry Calls for CRA Reclassification

To address these cybersecurity governance issues, Energy Storage Europe has proposed targeted policy actions. A primary recommendation is reclassifying battery management systems (BMS), power conversion systems (PCS), and energy management systems (EMS) as critical products under the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). This reclassification would ensure that essential hardware and software components meet stringent security standards before entering the market.

Harmonized Connectivity and Joint Guidance

The industry is also mandating harmonized technical requirements for BESS connectivity at the distribution level to prevent localized bottlenecks. Furthermore, the association urges the publication of joint NIS2 and NCCS implementation guidance. This collaborative approach is designed to reduce duplicative audits and provide early clarity on the Cybersecurity Act, ultimately fostering a more secure and unified European energy storage market.

Source: energy-storage.news

This article was assisted by AI analysis. Please refer to the original source for official information.