Project planning investment in energy storage

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.

Are energy storage projects a good investment?

Investors and lenders are eager to enter into the energy storage market. In many ways, energy storage projects are no different than a typical project finance transaction. Project finance is an exercise in risk allocation. Financings will not close until all risks have been catalogued and covered.

Are energy storage projects a project finance transaction?

In many ways, energy storage projects are no different than a typical project finance transaction. Project finance is an exercise in risk allocation. Financings will not close until all risks have been catalogued and covered. However, there are some unique features to energy storage with which investors and lenders will have to become familiar.

Where are the energy storage projects being built?

The energy storage projects will be located at three existing SCE power substations: 225 MW at Springvale Substation in Big Creek-Ventura, 200 MW at Hinson Substation in the Los Angeles Basin, and 112.5 MW at Etiwanda Substation in the Los Angeles Basin.

How do energy storage projects make money?

Energy storage projects provide a number of services and, for each service, receive a different revenue stream. Distributed energy storage projects offer two main sources of revenue. Capacity payments from the local utility are one.

What is Doe's strategic investment in energy storage?

DOE’s strategic investment in energy storage aims to ensure that all Americans have access to energy storage innovations to enable resilient, reliable, secure, and affordable electricity systems and supplies.