What is an EPC agreement for a battery energy storage system?

The negotiation of an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) agreement for a battery energy storage systems (BESS) project typically surfaces many of the same contractual risk allocation issues that one encounters in the negotiation of an EPC agreement for a solar or wind project.

What is the contract structure for a battery energy storage system?

The contract structure has not. Two main issues should be considered when developing a battery energy storage system or “BESS” project. The first is the general contracting structure. The second is key pitfalls when drafting and negotiating specific contracts. This article focuses on the contract structure. Turnkey v. Separate Contracts

Does a power contract cover energy storage?

In the context of a solar project, the power contract covers both the solar and energy storage systems, as they are typically treated as a single system. There is a natural synergy between the two.

How do energy storage contracts work?

For standalone energy storage contracts, these are typically structured with a fixed monthly capacity payment plus some variable cost per megawatt hour (MWh) of throughput. For a combined renewables-plus-storage project, it may be structured with an energy-only price in lieu of a fixed monthly capacity payment.

Are battery energy storage systems matured?

Battery energy storage systems have matured as the technology, quality, performance and reliability have also matured. The contract structure has not. Two main issues should be considered when developing a battery energy storage system or “BESS” project. The first is the general contracting structure.

What is a battery energy storage system checklist?

Checklist provides federal agencies with a standard set of tasks, questions, and reference points to assist in the early stages of battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development.