The main causes of permitting delays for energy storage projects include the following factors:
- Complex and inconsistent local permitting processes: Energy storage projects must meet various state building requirements, but local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) such as county or city planning departments often have their own permitting processes. These can be overly complex and inconsistently applied, especially regarding regulations, codes, and fire safety standards. This complexity leads to significant delays in obtaining necessary permits.
- Multiple authorities involved: Permitting often requires approvals from multiple AHJs including planning boards, local commissions, fire departments, utilities, and sometimes federal agencies. The coordination among these multiple authorities adds to the permitting timeline and can lead to delays if engagement is not early and proactive.
- Changing technology and regulatory standards: Rapid developments in energy storage technologies can complicate permitting, as regulations and codes may lag behind technological advances or vary widely by jurisdiction. Additionally, changes in energy policy or environmental regulations, such as carbon pricing or stricter environmental standards, can make permits harder to obtain or previously viable projects uneconomical, indirectly causing delays.
- Administrative bottlenecks: Although some projects are eligible for expedited permitting processes, many still face administrative bottlenecks that extend permitting timelines. These can include lengthy environmental reviews, public consultations, or other procedural requirements that slow approvals.
- Grid interconnection hurdles: While not strictly a permitting issue, delays in securing grid interconnection approvals often coincide with permitting challenges and contribute to overall project delays or cancellations.
In summary, permitting delays for energy storage projects stem primarily from the complexity and inconsistency of local permitting processes, multiple overlapping jurisdictional reviews, evolving technology and regulations, administrative inefficiencies, and related grid interconnection challenges. Early engagement with all relevant authorities and standardized, streamlined permitting guidelines are critical to minimizing these delays.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-main-causes-of-permitting-delays-for-energy-storage-projects/
