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 we make energy storage more reasonable?

One way to approach making energy storage more reasonable is to make sure it’s renewable and ethically sourced. One company working on such a solution is Tesla. They are creating batteries that use less cobalt, a material that often comes from mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo that use child labor.

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 is energy storage?

Energy storage encompasses an array of technologies that enable energy produced at one time, such as during daylight or windy hours, to be stored for later use. LPO can finance commercially ready projects across storage technologies, including flywheels, mechanical technologies, electrochemical technologies, thermal storage, and chemical storage.

Why is energy storage important?

Energy storage serves important grid functions, including time-shifting energy across hours, days, weeks, or months; regulating grid frequency; and ensuring flexibility to balance supply and demand.

How will energy storage help a net-zero economy by 2050?

Accelerated by DOE initiatives, multiple tax credits under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, and decarbonization goals across the public and private sectors, energy storage will play a key role in the shift to a net-zero economy by 2050.