Expanding Permitting for Decarbonization
In Goal 14, DEEP is exploring and implementing best practices to streamline renewable energy permitting and maximize investments in critical decarbonization efforts, including to meet decarbonation goals and follow plans, such as DEEP’s 2021 Integrated Resources Plan. Background on this goal is presented in DEEP’s 20BY26, Setting the Target: CT DEEP 2026 Goals (February 2024).
Latest Progress (as of Fall 2024)
DEEP kicked off the Community Renewable Energy Siting Tool (CREST) Collaborative in October, bringing together representatives from 25 organizations - municipal, conservation, farmland, solar developers, climate advocates, and others. This group advised DEEP and UCONN-CLEAR on the development of a renewable energy suitability siting map, pursuant to PA 24-31 (Sec. 5). DEEP then created a beta version of CREST, leveraging ArcGIS Online to publish an interactive application with layers identified as integral to siting future solar projects in Connecticut. Beta CREST was presented at the December CREST Collaborative meeting for their feedback.
In November, DEEP worked with ECOS and NASEO to offer a regional permitting for decarbonization workshop: “Clean Energy Infrastructure Permitting and Timing – Opportunities and Challenges" – the first in a series of these workshops – during which NYSERDA focused on NY’s permitting successes and challenges.
In December, DEEP released a draft report on December 1, held a public comment meeting on December 5, and delivered the Final CSC Study to the Connecticut General Assembly on December 31, 2024.
Up Next
DEEP will arrange for the beta CREST test drive for the Collaborative and legislators. DEEP will also begin digging into permitting strategies and streamlining. NASEO, ECOS, and DEEP are planning a third workshop for March with a presentation from ISO New England.
GOAL 14 PROGRESS FROM PREVIOUS QUARTERS
Summer 2024
In July, DEEP co-hosted a regional permitting for decarbonization workshop with the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) and the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO), featuring energy and environmental representatives from New England states, New York, and New Jersey.
BETP participated in a working group led by CT Green Bank on decommissioning and disposal of batteries for energy storage and photovoltaic panels.
Pursuant to PA 24-144 (Sec. 12), DEEP began, with partner agencies, a study of the Connecticut Siting Council (CSC), received 65 public scoping comments, and set a public comment meeting.
Winter and Spring 2024
DEEP assessed the challenges associated with site development for solar energy generation and created a hierarchy of siting considerations for developers, which will be fundamental for projects to smoothly navigate the regulatory process. This hierarchy will be incorporated in future Sustainable, Transparent, and Efficient Practices for Solar (STEPS) siting guidance.
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Content last updated March 2025