California has made significant efforts to streamline its permitting process for energy storage projects, aiming to facilitate the adoption of these systems and support the state’s renewable energy goals. Here are some key steps taken:
Development of the Energy Storage Permitting Guidebook
- Purpose: The guidebook is designed to help local governments and agencies adopt standardized and streamlined procedures for permitting energy storage installations. This includes identifying best practices and guidelines for policies that encourage and facilitate battery energy storage installations.
- Goals and Support: The guidebook supports state energy codes requiring solar and battery storage for new commercial buildings. It is part of broader efforts funded by the California Energy Commission to enhance permitting efficiency.
Use of Standardized Platforms
- SolarAPP+: The guidebook suggests the use of platforms like SolarAPP+ to provide step-by-step instructions for authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) to adopt standardized permitting processes. This helps installers submit projects more efficiently.
Legislative Support
- State Policies: The effort is backed by state policies such as California Senate Bill 350, Assembly Bill 2514, and Assembly Bill 546, which aim to promote clean energy goals.
Broader Permitting Reforms
- Transmission Permitting: While focused on energy storage, broader changes in permitting, such as those for transmission projects, demonstrate a trend towards streamlining. The California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has streamlined its transmission permitting process to meet climate goals, which could influence energy storage permitting as well.
These efforts aim to reduce soft costs and administrative burdens associated with energy storage installations, thereby accelerating the adoption of these critical systems for California’s energy future.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-has-california-streamlined-its-permitting-process-for-energy-storage-projects/
