Profit model of power generation and energy storage projects

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).

What are business models for energy storage?

Business Models for Energy Storage Rows display market roles, columns reflect types of revenue streams, and boxes specify the business model around an application. Each of the three parameters is useful to systematically differentiate investment opportunities for energy storage in terms of applicable business models.

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.

What is a battery energy storage project?

A battery energy storage project is a system that serves a variety of purposes for utilities and other consumers of electricity, including backup power, frequency regulation, and balancing electricity supply with demand.

What is the source of revenue for many power projects?

For many power projects, a single power purchase agreement provides the source of all revenue for the project. Fixed-price contracts allow a project to generate a relatively predictable and stable amount of revenue, subject to the project meeting technical operating assumptions.

How would a storage facility exploit differences in power prices?

In application (8), the owner of a storage facility would seize the opportunity to exploit differences in power prices by selling electricity when prices are high and buying energy when prices are low.