Is energy storage a profitable business model?

Although academic analysis finds that business models for energy storage are largely unprofitable, annual deployment of storage capacity is globally on the rise (IEA, 2020). One reason may be generous subsidy support and non-financial drivers like a first-mover advantage (Wood Mackenzie, 2019).

How do I evaluate potential revenue streams from energy storage assets?

Evaluating potential revenue streams from flexible assets, such as energy storage systems, is not simple. Investors need to consider the various value pools available to a storage asset, including wholesale, grid services, and capacity markets, as well as the inherent volatility of the prices of each (see sidebar, “Glossary”).

Does a project entity have a variable interest in a renewable asset?

Oftentimes, a renewable asset is owned at a project-entity level and the PPA or VPPA is with the project entity. In many typical tax equity structures, the project entity could be a VIE, in which case a buyer would need to evaluate whether it has a variable interest in the VIE through the PPA or VPPA.

How can energy storage be profitable?

Where a profitable application of energy storage requires saving of costs or deferral of investments, direct mechanisms, such as subsidies and rebates, will be effective. For applications dependent on price arbitrage, the existence and access to variable market prices are essential.

Are batteries a green business model?

Of the 19 examined business models 14 are now green. Batteries contribute 6 green business models, of which 5 have flipped from red to green in comparison with Figure 2. These green business models include Trading arbitrage, Production forecast, as well as Frequency containment/restoration on a trading and T&D level.