Efforts include ACP's support for national
fire safety standards and a published model ordinance to guide
state and local governments
PORTLAND, Ore., June 27,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Clean Power
Association (ACP) today announced an important policy effort to
promote the current best-in-class safety measures for energy
storage technology systems. This includes policy recommendations
for local and state governments to use and adopt such safety
measures.
Today, ACP published a model ordinance
framework providing comprehensive guidance for state and
local governments developing siting and permitting rules related to
developing and operating utility-scale battery energy storage
systems. This framework builds upon ACP's support for the
adoption of the latest safety standards, and incorporates
requirements and guidance established by the National Fire
Protection Association safety standard for energy storage, NFPA
855.
The model ordinance serves as a guiding framework for thousands
of counties and municipalities across the country seeking to
develop regulations for energy storage facilities in their
community. It includes policy language for incorporation or
adoption by state and local governments related to the issues
of:
- Permitting Procedures
- Siting Standards
- Land Use & Zoning
- Safety & Equipment Certifications
- Environmental Compliance
- Decommissioning
The recommendations and considerations included in this
framework draw from a variety of sources, including:
- National fire safety standards (such as NFPA 855 and UL
9540)
- Guidance established by national energy laboratories
- Existing state laws and local regulations
This announcement comes as hundreds of leaders from the sector
gather over two days to advance the industry across multiple
priorities at the inaugural ACP RECHARGE: Energy Storage
Summit.
Importantly, today's announcement comes with
a reaffirmation of our industry's commitment to
coordinate closely with fire officials throughout both the
development and lifetime operation of projects. This
includes regular and transparent communication, training, and site
visits to foster partnerships that enhance coordination and
maintain safety during the life of an energy storage facility.
"The energy storage industry has consistently been on the
forefront of promoting and demonstrating excellence in safety and
reliability," said Frank
Macchiarola, Chief Policy Officer of ACP. "These efforts
build upon that work and represent the most expansive and
meaningful efforts to date in promoting the adoption of the latest
national safety standards, as well as the development of rigorous
and reasonable rules for the development and operation of battery
energy storage resources. These resources ensure communities can
responsibly facilitate the deployment of energy storage and benefit
from the technology's unique ability to boost grid reliability and
lower energy costs."
"Utility scale storage is a safe and reliable tool necessary for
a sustainable and resilient energy transition," said
Stephanie Smith, COO of Eolian.
"Across the industry, we are committed to integrating battery
energy storage systems into the grid with safety at the forefront.
ACP's model ordinance is a proactive step toward helping
communities across the country incorporate these important energy
resources safely and effectively."
"Communities and businesses should adopt NPFA 855, as it is the
best-in-class standard and it has been vetted through many
different sides of the equation including with fire officials,
engineers, developers, project managers, and planners," said
Bobby Ruiz, Project Director for
Hiller Company and Former Fire Chief of Peoria, Arizona. "NFPA 855
represents a comprehensive effort to put together regulations and
codes with community members in mind. It is encouraging to see
ACP's model ordinance reflect these efforts."
About ACP: The American Clean Power Association (ACP) is
the leading voice of today's multi-tech clean energy industry,
representing over 800 energy storage, wind, utility-scale solar,
clean hydrogen and transmission companies. ACP is committed to
meeting America's national security, economic and climate goals
with fast-growing, low-cost, and reliable domestic power. Follow
ACP
on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook,
and Twitter, and learn more
at cleanpower.org.
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SOURCE The American Clean Power Association