The risks of energy storage investment

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.

How does energy storage affect investment?

The influence of energy storage on investment is contingent upon various factors such as the cost of storage technologies, the availability of government incentives, the design of market mechanisms, the share of generation sources, the infrastructure, economic conditions, and the existence of different flexibility options.

What challenges does the energy storage industry face?

The energy storage industry faces several notable limitations and gaps that hinder its widespread implementation and integration into power systems. Challenges include the necessity for appropriate market design, regulatory frameworks, and incentives to stimulate investment in energy storage solutions.

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.

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.

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.