Energy storage project financing rates

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.

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.

Are solar and wind projects a good investment?

These projects will have long-term predictable revenue streams. In addition, lenders may be willing to finance merchant cashflows, but with less leverage and subject to detailed market studies and cash sweeps. These trends for solar and wind projects also apply to energy storage projects.

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.

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 are construction bridge tax credits financed?

These tax credits have been financed in the nonrecourse project finance markets, often using construction bridge debt that is fully repaid once the tax equity investment is made after the project is placed in service (as defined by the IRS).