Council extends moratorium related to energy storage – Auburn Reporter

Report on Auburn’s Moratorium on Energy Storage Systems and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: A Strategic Pause for Sustainable Urban Planning

On November 3, the Auburn City Council extended a moratorium on development applications for Energy Storage Systems (ESS). This six-month extension is intended to provide the necessary time to update land use regulations, ensuring that new energy infrastructure aligns with the city’s long-term planning objectives and contributes positively to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Advancing SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action)

The development of a robust regulatory framework for ESS is a critical step toward achieving key sustainability targets. The city’s initiative directly supports:

• SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): ESS technologies, such as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), are vital for integrating renewable energy sources like solar and wind into the power grid. By storing excess energy, these systems enhance grid stability, improve reliability, and increase the share of renewable energy in the energy mix.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): By facilitating a more efficient and reliable renewable energy supply, ESS infrastructure is instrumental in managing peak demand and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.

Regulatory Challenges and Considerations for Sustainable Development

The moratorium addresses several critical issues that must be resolved to ensure that ESS development is safe, resilient, and sustainable, in line with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Key Issues Under Review for SDG Alignment

1. Zoning and Land Use for SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)

   The absence of specific zoning standards for ESS poses a risk of inappropriate placement. The city is evaluating restricting these facilities to industrial zones to mitigate potential impacts on public life and safety, thereby promoting safe and resilient urban development.

2. Public Safety and Emergency Response

   Ensuring community safety is paramount and aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 11. Key concerns include:

   • Fire Hazards: BESS fires can burn for extended periods, placing a significant strain on emergency services and leaving other areas of the city vulnerable.
   • Resource Demands: Suppressing such fires requires exceptional volumes of water, raising questions about the capacity of local water districts to provide a constant, high-volume flow during an emergency.
   • Air Quality and Evacuation: The potential for hazardous air quality during an emergency and the impact of establishing an evacuation zone on residents, businesses, and transportation routes are under review.

3. Environmental Protection and Infrastructure Resilience

   The city is assessing environmental risks to protect natural resources and build resilient infrastructure, directly addressing SDG 6 and SDG 9.

   • Water Contamination (SDG 6): Water runoff from firefighting efforts may contain hazardous materials, such as cyanide and hydrofluoric acid, posing a threat to the city’s protected critical areas and water sources.
   • Infrastructure Integrity (SDG 9): The potential risk of aircraft collisions with ESS facilities located within the Airport Landing Field District necessitates a thorough risk assessment to protect public welfare and critical infrastructure.

4. Economic and Fiscal Impact Analysis

   The city has yet to determine the fiscal or economic development benefits of permitting ESS facilities. A comprehensive analysis will be conducted to ensure that any future development contributes positively to the local economy while upholding stringent safety and environmental standards.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  The article’s central theme is energy storage systems (ESS) designed to support renewable energy sources like solar and wind. This directly relates to ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  The city’s effort to create new regulations and infrastructure standards for modern energy storage technology is a core aspect of building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The discussion revolves around urban planning, specifically land use, zoning, and public safety within the city of Auburn. The concerns about fire risk, environmental contamination, and the placement of ESS facilities are directly linked to making cities safe, resilient, and sustainable.

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

  The article highlights significant concerns about water resources, including the capacity of water districts to handle large fires and the risk of water contamination from hazardous chemicals leaching into “protected critical areas.”

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The article explicitly states that a goal of ESS is to “integrate renewable energy sources like solar and wind” to provide power when these sources are unavailable, thereby increasing their overall share and reliability.
  • Target 7.a: By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology… and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology. The city’s process of developing regulations for ESS is a foundational step to safely promote investment in and deployment of this clean energy infrastructure.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

  • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… to support economic development and human well-being. The moratorium’s purpose is to ensure that when ESS infrastructure is developed, it is safe, reliable, and resilient, avoiding “undesirable, unsafe” projects.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  • Target 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for… integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management. The city council’s action to “redefine certain land use categories” and address the lack of “specific zoning or development standards” is a direct example of sustainable urban planning and management.
  • Target 11.5: By 2030, significantly reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected… caused by disasters. The article expresses deep concern over the risks posed by BESS fires, potential aircraft collisions, and the need for evacuation zones, all of which are related to mitigating the impact of potential technological disasters.
  • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality… The article mentions that a BESS emergency could create “potentially hazardous air-quality concerns” and that runoff water could contain “hazardous chemicals and materials,” which directly relates to reducing the adverse environmental impact of the city.

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

  • Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution… and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials. The concern that water used to fight BESS fires “may contain hazardous chemicals and materials such as cyanide and hydrofluoric acid, which could leach into the city’s protected critical areas” is a direct reference to this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not mention official SDG indicators, but it implies several metrics and assessments that could be used to measure progress:

• For SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)

  • Implied Indicator: Development and adoption of regulations and land-use policies that support the integration of renewable energy and energy storage systems. The entire purpose of the moratorium is to create these policies.

• For SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)

  • Implied Indicator: Existence of specific zoning and development standards for energy storage systems. The article explicitly states the city “lacks specific zoning or development standards applicable to ESS.” Creating them would be a measure of progress.
  • Implied Indicator: Assessment of emergency response capacity for technological hazards. The article points to the need to evaluate the burden on emergency personnel and the vulnerability of the city during a BESS fire.
  • Implied Indicator: Risk assessment of critical infrastructure placement. The concern about placing ESS facilities within the Airport Landing Field District implies the need for a risk assessment indicator.

• For SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation)

  • Implied Indicator: Assessment of water supply capacity for emergency services. The article states the city “needs time to determine whether the surrounding water districts have the capacity to provide a constant flow of high-volume water.”
  • Implied Indicator: Measures in place to prevent contamination of protected water areas. The concern about hazardous runoff implies the need for mitigation plans and monitoring, which could serve as an indicator.

4. SDGs, Targets and Indicators Table

Source: auburn-reporter.com