How do energy storage contracts work?

For standalone energy storage contracts, these are typically structured with a fixed monthly capacity payment plus some variable cost per megawatt hour (MWh) of throughput. For a combined renewables-plus-storage project, it may be structured with an energy-only price in lieu of a fixed monthly capacity payment.

Can energy storage resources be financed on a nonrecourse basis?

Key Finance-ability Provisions: Energy storage resources may also be financed on a nonrecourse basis and, like any other project financed in such manner, will need to address issues upon which nonrecourse lenders will focus, including assignment, events of default, performance requirements, key dates, and collateral.

What are the operational limitations of energy storage?

Operating Limitations: Energy storage resources may be subject to operational constraints that do not affect traditional generation projects. For example, certain battery technologies will degrade more quickly if the state of charge is not actively managed within a certain range.

Is energy storage eligible for ITCS after the IRA?

After the passage of the IRA, energy storage is eligible for ITCs on a standalone basis and thus the delineation between grid charging and non–grid charging may become less relevant for these projects.

Can energy storage reduce peak demand?

For such a customer, an energy storage project may allow the customer to reduce its peak demand periods, and thus the associated demand charges, by reducing grid power consumption during its peak periods (so-called “peak shaving”).

What is a PPA for new energy storage resources?

Some PPAs for new energy storage resources have been structured as capacity-only contracts in which the developer is responsible for the sale of energy and all costs associated therewith—including the costs of the required energy procured from the utility.