Brandon Keefe and Joshua Goldstein of Plus Power discuss why they pursued stand-alone battery storage, the future of energy storage projects, investor response, constructing projects and diversified revenue streams, managing pricing and interest rate challenges, the impact of the cost of capital on battery storage growth, and the current state and future predictions of the energy storage industry.
PlusPower focuses on a location-based strategy for energy storage to maximize the grid's benefits.
PlusPower tailors revenue streams and takes advantage of incentives to attract financing for their energy storage projects.
Deep dives
Standalone storage strategy and value creation
PlusPower, a leading developer of standalone battery storage projects in the US, focuses on a location-based strategy for energy storage. They identify the best locations on the grid where energy storage can create the most value for ratepayers and consumers. By strategically placing energy storage assets in these locations, they are able to maximize the grid's benefits. For example, they have two projects contracted with SRP in the Phoenix area, which will provide significant energy storage capacity. PlusPower adopts this strategy across the country and currently has multiple projects in construction or operation in several states.
Diversified revenue streams and market opportunities
PlusPower's portfolio includes a mix of projects that have different revenue constructs. They have projects with tolling agreements, fully merchant projects, and partially hedged projects, depending on the specific market and location. The revenue streams for each project are tailored to the market dynamics and specific needs, ensuring a diversified revenue base. PlusPower also takes advantage of additional incentives such as the 10% ITC adder and state-level incentives to maximize project profitability. By optimizing revenue streams and considering market-specific factors, they attract tax equity and debt financing for their projects.
Positive outlook for standalone storage and market dynamics
The future of standalone storage projects looks promising, with value being brought to the grid in different ways across various markets. PlusPower's projects are experiencing a range of revenue types, including 20-year tolling agreements, fully merchant projects, and capacity contracts. Though there may be challenges in financing uncontracted projects, there are still opportunities for growth and investment as risk appetite varies among lenders and tax equity providers. Additionally, the decreasing cost of batteries and equipment, along with the availability of financing, supports the continued expansion of the battery storage market.
Brandon Keefe and Joshua Goldstein of Plus Power join us to discuss stand-alone battery storage. They talk about why stand-alone is the energy storage approach they pursued, the future of such energy storage projects, how investors have responded, and more.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode