Foreign energy storage construction

Are feoc restrictions relevant to large-scale energy storage projects?

Our focus here is on H.R. 1’s extension and expansion of pre-existing foreign entity of concern (FEOC) restrictions for each of the tax credits most likely be relevant to large-scale energy storage projects under Sections 45Y, 48E, and 45X of the Internal Revenue Code.

What drives energy storage project development?

Globally, energy storage project development is increasingly driven by the utility-scale segment, with mandates and targeted auctions driving gigawatt-hour projects in markets like China, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Australia and Chile.

Is China entering a new era of energy storage demand?

Mainland China accounts for most of the global energy storage demand, driven in the near term by regional requirements for new utility-scale wind and solar projects to include energy storage capacity. However, the Chinese market is entering an era of change.

How will HR 1 affect energy storage projects?

H.R. 1 significantly rolls back or repeals many of the clean energy tax credits and incentives introduced with the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, but energy storage projects are generally not as severely impacted as wind and solar, as energy storage projects beginning construction before 2033 remain eligible for key credits.

Should energy storage be removed from energy grid connection?

For energy storage, the new Chinese policy emphasized the need to remove energy storage as a prerequisite for renewable energy project grid connection, a requirement that has been a major driver for battery build. Nonetheless, BNEF still expects strong demand for batteries, as the policy doesn’t explicitly require mandates to stop.