Policy risks of energy storage projects

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 energy storage projects a project finance transaction?

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. However, there are some unique features to energy storage with which investors and lenders will have to become familiar.

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.

What are energy storage policies?

These policies are mostly concentrated around battery storage system, which is considered to be the fastest growing energy storage technology due to its efficiency, flexibility and rapidly decreasing cost. ESS policies are primarily found in regions with highly developed economies, that have advanced knowledge and expertise in the sector.

What regulatory issues are affecting energy storage remuneration?

Key regulatory issues currently under review include ways to remunerate energy storage in wholesale electricity markets and ways to facilitate interconnection. Regulations affecting remuneration of energy storage services present a key risk because of the impact they can have on determining what is commercial.

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.