Energy storage project intermediary

Why do energy storage projects need project financing?

The rapid growth in the energy storage market is similarly driving demand for project financing. The general principles of project finance that apply to the financing of solar and wind projects also apply to energy storage projects.

Can you finance a solar energy storage project?

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. However, there are certain additional considerations in structuring a project finance transaction for an energy storage project.

What technology risks are associated with energy storage systems?

Technology Risks Lithium-ion batteries remain the most widespread technology used in energy storage systems, but energy storage systems also use hydrogen, compressed air, and other battery technologies. Project finance lenders view all of these newer technologies as having increased risk due to a lack of historical data.

How big will energy storage capacity be in 2022?

An estimated 387 gigawatts (GW) (or 1,143 gigawatt hours (GWh)) of new energy storage capacity is expected to be added globally from 2022 to 2030, which would result in the size of global energy storage capacity increasing by 15 times compared to the end of 2021.

Will a tax credit be available for energy storage projects?

However, with the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, tax credits are now available for standalone energy storage systems, and thus lenders may be willing to provide bridge capital that is underwritten based on the receipt of proceeds from an anticipated tax equity investment, similar to renewable energy projects.

Should a project company establish O&M reserves?

To the extent that there are project degradation issues or other anticipated major maintenance costs such as the augmentation of battery systems, lenders may require the project company to establish O&M reserves to ensure sufficient funds will be on hand to cover these maintenance costs.