BBDF 2026: Finance, tolling, and getting the merchant balance right
AI Analysis
Summary
As Europe prepares to roll out 200 GWh of battery storage over the next five years, discussion at the Battery Business & Development Forum 2026 turns to how financing models are rapidly shifting. Bankers, developers and stakeholders shared key pain points with the audience, as well as practical advice.
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">As Europe prepares to roll out 200 GWh of battery storage over the next five years, discussion at the Battery Business & Development Forum 2026 turns to how financing models are rapidly shifting. Bankers, developers and stakeholders shared key pain points with the audience, as well as practical advice.</span></p><p><strong>From <a href="https://www.ess-news.com/2026/03/31/bbdf-2026-finance-tolling-and-getting-the-merchant-balance-right/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">ESS News</a></strong></p>
<p>Finance took center stage at BBDF in a lively session covering the range of funding options available to BESS projects.</p>
<p>Mark van Zon, senior director at ABN AMRO, opened the session by introducing a host of financial concepts such as floor contracts, gearing, mini-perm loans, balloon management, and aspects like cash-sweep mechanisms.</p>
<p>Panelists included banks, offtakers, and developers delved into the detail as industry experts shared first-hand accounts of European BESS financing. Mikko Preuss, chief commercial officer at Terralayr represented developers, alongside bankers Marcus Starke, director energy origination at NORD/LB, and Mark van Zon. Nils van Afferden, asset originator, flexibilities and batteries at RWE, was also on stage to share the offtaker perspective.</p>
<p><em>To continue reading, please visit our <strong><a href="https://www.ess-news.com/2026/03/31/bbdf-2026-finance-tolling-and-getting-the-merchant-balance-right/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">ESS News</a></strong> website.</em></p>