Batteries 101, Part 4: Municipal Considerations for Battery Energy Storage in Massachusetts

In this webinar, panelists discussed the municipal planning process for battery storage projects in Massachusetts. Experts provided an overview of the current landscape for energy storage permitting and siting. They discussed zoning considerations, environmental justice and equity considerations for siting energy storage projects, and best practices for municipalities. We heard recommendations from the Massachusetts Commission on Energy Infrastructure Siting and Permitting, and we also heard from municipal officials who have direct experience engaging with these processes.

This is the final webinar in a four-part series on battery energy storage in Massachusetts. Part 4 follows “Batteries 101, Part 1, An Introduction to Energy Storage and Massachusetts’ Battery Storage Programs and Policies,” “Batteries 101, Part 2: Benefits and Applications of Battery Energy Storage in Massachusetts,” and “Batteries 101, Part 3: Safety and Environmental Considerations for BESS in Massachusetts.”

This webinar series is open to the public, but questions from Massachusetts municipal officials and residents were prioritized during the question and discussion portion of each event. The webinar series is hosted by Clean Energy Group and the Clean Energy States Alliance.

Speakers:

• Ben Hanna, Senior Advisor, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
• Crystal Johnson, Assistant Secretary of Environmental Justice, Massachusetts Office of Environmental Justice & Equity
• Jeremy Koo, Assistant Director of Clean Energy, Metropolitan Area Planning Council
• John Mangiaratti, Town Manager, Acton, MA
• Todd Olinsky-Paul, Senior Project Director, Clean Energy Group / Clean Energy States Alliance