New Energy Project Energy Storage Leasing

What is an energy storage project?

An energy storage project is a cluster of battery banks (or modules) that are connected to the electrical grid. These battery banks are roughly the same size as a shipping container. These are also called Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), or grid-scale/utility-scale energy storage or battery storage systems.

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.

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.

Could contract and zoning rules force energy storage projects to partner?

Contract and zoning rules could force storage projects to partner with power generators Improvements in battery energy storage systems are critical to the success of large-scale renewable energy projects. Reed Smith analysis.

What should battery project developers consider when sourcing energy storage equipment?

Battery project developers should take into account the constantly evolving economic and political environments that impact procurement of energy storage equipment.