Energy Storage: Considerations for Government Partners on Siting & Permitting

This fact sheet explores the ways that industry and government partners can collaborate to create effective rules and ordinances for siting and permitting battery energy storage systems as energy storage continues to grow rapidly.

Key Takeaways from the fact sheet:

• Importance of energy storage systems: Energy storage technologies, particularly battery energy storage systems, are growing rapidly (by more than 1,200% between 2016 and 2021) and already play a crucial role in enhancing the electrical grid by supporting the deployment and integration of renewable energy sources — increasing reliability, controlling costs, and building a more resilient grid.
• Siting and permitting considerations: It is essential for government partners and policymakers to create specific definitions, standards, and regulations for energy storage facilities, considering their unique attributes and distinct functions compared to traditional electrical generation facilities. Flexibility in zoning, environmental review, and sound level considerations are necessary for the effective integration of energy storage systems in various locations and applications.
• Collaboration and safety: The energy storage industry seeks to collaborate with government partners and first responders to develop effective rules, ordinances, and emergency response plans. Ensuring safety and compliance with relevant codes and standards, such as the International Fire Code, NFPA 1 Fire Code, NFPA 855, UL 9540, and UL 9540A, is crucial in the manufacturing, construction, installation, and operation of energy storage systems.