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.

How can ASE help drive innovation in the energy storage sector?

Investment in research is key in driving innovation in storage sector. EASE, as the voice of the energy storage industry, is an active contributor of the design of upcoming funding programmes for energy storage research and development and collaborated to the development of important instruments such as the Innovation Fund and Horizon Europe.

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.

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.

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.