Energy storage project engineering epc

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 are the safety requirements for energy storage technologies?

Safety: Minimum safety and operating requirements are common considerations for energy projects. Energy storage resources present additional safety concerns given their unique technological profiles. For battery storage technologies in particular, safety requirements should adequately address fire risks.

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.

Does an EPC agreement include a decommissioning plan?

To the extent decommissioning is addressed in the EPC agreement and the obligation allocated to the EPC contractor, a specific decommissioning plan will often be attached as an exhibit to the EPC agreement.

What are the operational limitations of energy storage?

Operating Limitations: Energy storage resources may be subject to operational constraints that do not affect traditional generation projects. For example, certain battery technologies will degrade more quickly if the state of charge is not actively managed within a certain range.

Should energy storage decommissioning plans be flexible?

Given the evolving nature of rules and standards for the decommissioning, disposition and/or recycling of energy storage projects, it is recommended that any such decommissioning plans retain a reasonable degree of flexibility to accommodate potential changes to such rules and standards after the date of execution of the EPC.