Energy storage facility opponents pitch bylaw for Wendell

Energy storage facility opponents pitch bylaw for Wendell

Introduction

A group formed last year in opposition to a 105-megawatt battery storage facility proposed for the center of Wendell is seeking the support of the three-member Selectboard for a bylaw it has crafted to regulate such projects. The group, known as No Assault & Batteries, presented the proposed bylaw language during a virtual Selectboard meeting.

Background

The battery storage facility project, proposed by Lowell-based New Leaf Energy, has faced opposition due to its potential environmental and safety risks. The Wendell Conservation Commission has already refused to permit the project. However, New Leaf Energy applied to the state Department of Public Utilities for a permit to proceed. The project is located adjacent to existing electrical infrastructure and is considered an optimal location for new energy infrastructure.

The Proposed Bylaw

The proposed bylaw, which would need to be approved by voters at a Town Meeting, includes various definitions, licensing requirements, and safety regulations. It defines a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) as an energy storage system that uses rechargeable batteries to store electrical energy. The bylaw designates the Selectboard as voting members of a Licensing Board responsible for reviewing applications for a battery energy storage system license. The board would consist of representatives from various town committees and boards.

Under the bylaw, applicants would be required to have $100 million in liability insurance to cover any loss or damage caused by the use or failure of the battery storage facility. This includes coverage for fires, explosions, and flooding events.

Next Steps

No Assault & Batteries is urging the Selectboard to take a stance on the bylaw and the project. They also plan to spread their advocacy to the state level by attending upcoming Department of Public Utilities events. The Selectboard will further discuss the proposed bylaw and decide on their course of action.

Source: Greenfield Recorder

1. The SDGs addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article are:
– SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
– SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

2. The specific targets under these SDGs that can be identified based on the article’s content are:
– SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
– SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.

3. The indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets are:
– Increase in the percentage of renewable energy sources in the proposed battery storage facility.
– Reduction in noise disruption to wildlife caused by the facility.
– Compliance with safety regulations and licensing requirements outlined in the proposed bylaw.
– Proof of $100 million liability insurance coverage for potential damages caused by the facility.

4. Table:

| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|——|———|————|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. | – Increase in the percentage of renewable energy sources in the proposed battery storage facility. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. | – Reduction in noise disruption to wildlife caused by the facility.
– Compliance with safety regulations and licensing requirements outlined in the proposed bylaw.
– Proof of $100 million liability insurance coverage for potential damages caused by the facility. |

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Source: recorder.com

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