The Battery Storage Europe Platform (BSEP) welcomes a new Head of Battery Storage, Sonja Risteska. Sonja will lead the platform’s work to accelerate battery energy storage deployment across Europe, with the ambition of increasing storage capacity tenfold by 2030, supporting Europe’s energy transition, security and competitiveness.
She brings over 15 years of experience in the energy sector, spanning policy, non-profit, intergovernmental and private sector roles. Prior to joining the Battery Storage Europe Platform and SolarPower Europe, Sonja served as Lead for Policy & Regulatory Affairs and Head of Project Development for Eastern Europe at Green Enesys Group, where she developed solar PV and BESS projects in Poland and Bulgaria and contributed to securing major funding through the Hydorgen Bank. She has previously held positions at the Powering Past Coal Alliance and Agora Energiewende and has also worked as an independent expert supporting stakeholders such as the European Commission on just transition processes. Sonja holds a BA in Political Science and an MA in European Studies.
Welcome to the Battery Storage Europe Platform. What is your background?
I have been working in the energy sector for more than 15 years. I was born in North Macedonia, I have a BA in Political Science and MA European Studies and have since worked in three different countries: North Macedonia, Germany, and Belgium. My work has always had an international dimension, as energy flow knows no borders. Before joining the Battery Storage Europe Platform, I led the development of a renewable energy portfolio exceeding 500 MW in solar and BESS, navigating complex regulatory environments and market volatility.
Throughout my career, I have worked closely with a wide range of stakeholders, including NGOs, industry associations, and public-sector actors, helping to build consensus around key policy priorities such as coal phase-out, renewable deployment, and just transition. I have also contributed to a number of studies and policy briefs. This cross-sectoral experience is what I now bring into my current role.
In your opinion, why is battery storage a game-changing technology for Europe’s energy transition?
BESS is a game changer because it enables the integration of renewables and with that the electrification of our economies. While solar PV and wind are not baseload technologies, they are already powering our systems, supporting our economic growth and independence from fossil fuels. The next step is full system integration of clean technologies to achieve true net-zero growth. BESS plays a critical role here as its versatility allows for greater renewable integration while ensuring system reliability and security.
What is your wish for the future of battery storage in Europe?
I would highlight two main priorities. First, the need for greater harmonisation of rules across Europe, particularly when it comes to grid charges and the services BESS provides to the system. At the moment, there are still too many discrepancies between Member States. And no targets in many of them which showcases how markets sometimes go ahead of the regulation. Second, strengthening EU manufacturing while fostering international cooperation. This includes supporting knowledge transfer and scaling up deployment across Europe.
Why should companies join the Battery Storage Europe Platform?
I strongly believe in the power of collective action. If we want to achieve 10X Battery Storage in Europe, we need to act together as a sector. Companies that join us can expect support, knowledge sharing, and a platform to exchange ideas, collaborate, and strengthen their presence in the market.
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