Energy storage project planning code

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.

Can energy storage be used in New applications?

Risks of energy storage in new applications: Codes, standards, and testing protocols for energy storage systems tend to focus on grid-scale deployments. However, energy storage is increasingly being used in new applications such as support for EV charging stations and home back-up systems.

What is a typical energy storage deployment?

A typical energy storage deployment will consist of multiple project phases, including (1) planning (project initiation, development, and design activities), (2) procurement, (3) construction, (4) acceptance testing (i.e., commissioning), (5) operations and maintenance, and (6) decommissioning.

Are energy storage projects conflicting with other land uses?

Since 2015, the amount of utility-scale energy storage installed in the U.S. has grown at an average rate of 75 percent per year. Since 2020, the annual growth rate is 134 percent (including planned installations for 2023). As storage projects proliferate in the U.S., the potential for them to come into conflict with other land uses increases.

Can energy storage systems be scaled up?

The energy storage system can be scaled up by adding more flywheels. Flywheels are not generally attractive for large-scale grid support services that require many kWh or MWh of energy storage because of the cost, safety, and space requirements. The most prominent safety issue in flywheels is failure of the rotor while it is rotating.

What if a developer wants to install energy storage?

If a developer wants to install an energy storage project in a jurisdiction that has not defined where storage is allowed, the developer is responsible for identifying a potential site and petitioning the jurisdiction to issue a conditional use permit or rezone the site to enable the project.