Revenue sources for power trading and energy storage

How does energy storage generate revenue?

In a word, revenue. Energy storage can collect revenue in America’s organized power markets three ways: platforms, products, and pay-days . However, different projects will tap these potential revenue streams in different ways, and investors should seek nimble developers who can navigate a complex and evolving regulatory and market landscape.

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”).

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.

Do investors underestimate the value of energy storage?

While energy storage is already being deployed to support grids across major power markets, new McKinsey analysis suggests investors often underestimate the value of energy storage in their business cases.

How does energy storage affect investment in power generation?

Energy storage can affect investment in power generation by reducing the need for peaker plants and transmission and distribution upgrades, thereby lowering the overall cost of electricity generation and delivery.

What is the 'value stack' in energy storage?

Owners of batteries, including storage facilities that are co-located with solar or wind projects, derive revenue under multiple contracts and generate multiple layers of revenue or 'value stack.' Developers then seek financing based on anticipated cash flows from all or a portion of the components of this value stack.