What is a battery energy storage system (BESS)?

As the demand for renewable energy sources continues to rise, battery energy storage systems (BESS) have emerged as a critical component in the transition to a sustainable energy future. Westwood is at the forefront of environmental permitting in states across the nation, helping clients navigate the complexities of the permitting process.

What is EPA's Bess guidance?

EPA has developed comprehensive guidance to help communities safely plan for installation and operation of BESS facilities as well as recommendations for incident response. This webpage includes information from first responder and industry guidance as well as background information on battery energy storage systems and resources.

What is a Bess system?

These BESS serve the wholesale electric market at either the transmission or distribution system scale. These systems will always be over the 600-kWh threshold and need to meet required safety and fire standards for large-scale energy storage.

What are the requirements for a battery energy storage system?

The requirements of this ordinance shall apply to all battery energy storage systems with a rated nameplate capacity of equal to or greater than 1,000 kilowatts (1 megawatt).

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.

What is a Bess battery system?

A standalone utility asset battery system at a substation in central Whatcom County, Washington (Credit: Robert Ashworth, Flickr) BESS definitions show some consistency across jurisdictions, such as the many definitions that distinguish between types of batteries consistent with fire and safety standards.