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.

Why should we invest in a pumped storage power plant?

By storing energy, the pumped storage power plant will contribute to greater security of supply in southern Germany. This investment is part of our previously announced strategy to invest in growth and transformation towards a greener business.

How will a pumped storage power plant contribute to the energy transition?

The company is making a significant contribution to the energy transition and is continuing its corporate transformation towards more renewable energy generation. By storing energy, the pumped storage power plant will contribute to greater security of supply in southern Germany.

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”).

Should energy storage be undervalued?

The revenue potential of energy storage is often undervalued. Investors could adjust their evaluation approach to get a true estimate—improving profitability and supporting sustainability goals.

How important are ancillary services to energy storage?

Ancillary services that stabilize the power grid typically represent 50 to 80 percent of the full storage revenue stack of energy storage assets deployed today. This is observed across multiple mature storage markets but is expected to decrease to less than 40 percent by 2030.