Land use standards for energy storage projects

Do energy storage systems need zoning standards?

Consequently, zoning standards are generally not necessary for these energy storage systems. Define BESS as a land use, separate from electric generation or production but consistent with other energy infrastructure, such as substations. BESS have potential community benefits when sited with other electric grid infrastructure.

Does stationary battery storage fit into zoning regulations?

However, BESS have potential applications across the rural-to-urban transect, and most communities will need to address BESS in some form. This issue of Zoning Practice explores how stationary battery storage fits into local land-use plans and zoning regulations.

What permitting regimes apply to battery energy storage projects?

There are three distinct permitting regimes that apply in developing battery energy storage projects, depending upon the owner, developer, and location of the project. The increasing mandates and incentives for the rapid deployment of energy storage are resulting in a boom in the deployment of utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS).

What are some examples of land use changes?

One manifestation of those changes is the introduction of new land uses into our communities, land uses whose risks, conflicts, and synergies with existing land uses are uncertain or unknown by the host communities. One such example is the rapid increase in use of battery energy storage systems (BESS) and related technologies.

Is utility-scale Bess the future of energy storage?

Utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are and will in the near-future continue to be the technology of choice to meet energy storage requirements in California and other states.

What is a utility-scale battery storage project?

A utility-scale battery storage project presents opportunities for developers, investor-owned utilities, and state governments to meet renewable energy goals, make better use of solar and wind resources, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Utility-scale battery storage projects offer great benefits.