Energy storage project financing cases

Does project finance apply to energy storage projects?

The general principles of project finance that apply to the financing of solar and wind projects also apply to energy storage projects. Since the majority of solar projects currently under construction include a storage system, lenders in the project finance markets are willing to finance the construction and cashflows of an energy storage project.

Do project finance lenders consider technology risks in energy storage projects?

Project finance lenders view all of these newer technologies as having increased risk due to a lack of historical data. As a result, a primary focus for lenders in their due diligence of an energy storage project will be on technology risks.

Are energy storage projects a good investment?

Investors and lenders are eager to enter into the energy storage market. In many ways, energy storage projects are no different than a typical project finance transaction. Project finance is an exercise in risk allocation. Financings will not close until all risks have been catalogued and covered.

Are utility-scale energy storage projects financed on a project-finance basis?

As a result, while a utility-scale project could theoretically provide different services to separate offtakers, it is more likely to have a single offtaker or revenue stream. A limited number of utility-scale energy storage projects have been financed to date on a project-finance basis.

Should storage projects be funded?

One large missing piece has been funding. Storage projects are risky investments: high costs, uncertain returns, and a limited track record. Only smart, large-scale, low-cost financing can lower those risks and clear the way for a clean future.

How do energy storage projects make money?

Energy storage projects provide a number of services and, for each service, receive a different revenue stream. Distributed energy storage projects offer two main sources of revenue. Capacity payments from the local utility are one.