Report on Proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Project in Calverton Enterprise Park

Project Overview

Sundial Energy LLC, headquartered in Saint Louis Park, Minnesota, has submitted a proposal to the Town Board for the construction of a new 5 MW/20 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility. The proposed site is located at 221 Scott Avenue within the Calverton Enterprise Park, on a 7.45-acre parcel partially occupied by Hustler Powerboats.

Context and Comparison

• This project represents the second BESS facility application under consideration by the Town Board.
• It is significantly smaller than the first application, a 60 MW/120 MWh facility proposed by Rhynland Energy on Edwards Avenue near the LIPA substation.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The proposed BESS facility aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including:

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – By enabling the storage of renewable energy generated during off-peak hours for use during peak demand, the project supports increased access to reliable and sustainable energy.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The project promotes resilient infrastructure and fosters innovation in renewable energy technologies.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Through improved energy management, the facility contributes to sustainable urban development.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action – The BESS supports New York State’s renewable energy goals by facilitating the integration of clean energy sources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Financial and Regulatory Considerations

• Sundial Energy CEO Austin Schweek emphasized the financial viability of the project, noting that it is not dependent on New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) retail storage program incentives but participates in the PSEG feeder program.
• The Town Code mandates that all BESS projects include a decommissioning plan and bond to ensure full restoration of the property upon facility decommissioning.
• The Suffolk County Planning Commission approved the application on June 4.
• The Town Board adopted a code in April 2023 permitting BESS facilities in industrial zones and certain agricultural and residential districts near LIPA substations, with safety and siting regulations based on NYSERDA recommendations.

Safety and Emergency Response

• The project complies with New York State’s proposed safety codes requiring emergency response plans and coordination with local fire departments.
• Energy Safety Response Group, the project’s safety consultant, confirmed that an emergency response plan will be developed in collaboration with the Manorville Fire Department, including regular training and an initial familiarization drill.
• Firefighting procedures are designed to be defensive, utilizing the battery system’s built-in safety features and water application only as necessary.
• Sundial Energy representatives will meet with local fire personnel prior to the project’s public hearing.

Environmental and Community Impact

• The Town Board will assume lead agency status for the project’s review under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) and issue a declaration of non-significance, allowing the project to proceed without further in-depth environmental review.
• The project supports the transition to renewable energy infrastructure, contributing to local and state efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable development.
• Considerations regarding landscape screening are pending, with options for addition or waiver by the Town Board.

Next Steps

1. The Town Board will schedule a public hearing to review the special permit and site plan applications.
2. Further coordination with local emergency services will continue to ensure compliance with safety standards.
3. Community engagement and transparency will be maintained throughout the approval process.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article discusses the development of battery energy storage systems (BESS) which support renewable energy integration and energy storage.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The project involves infrastructure development for energy storage and innovation in energy systems.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Focus on safety, emergency response planning, and community engagement with local fire departments.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Supports renewable energy goals and reduction of carbon emissions by enabling energy storage for renewable sources.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
   • Target 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.5: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
   • Target 11.b: Increase the number of cities adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation and adaptation to climate change.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 7 Indicators
   • Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption — implied by the installation of BESS supporting renewable energy integration.
   • Indicator 7.3.1: Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP — implied by improved energy storage efficiency.
2. SDG 9 Indicators
   • Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emission per unit of value added — implied through the use of clean energy infrastructure.
3. SDG 11 Indicators
   • Indicator 11.5.1: Number of deaths, missing persons and directly affected persons attributed to disasters — addressed through emergency response plans and fire department coordination.
   • Indicator 11.b.1: Number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies — implied by compliance with safety codes and emergency preparedness.
4. SDG 13 Indicators
   • Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population — linked to emergency response planning.
   • Indicator 13.2.2: Total greenhouse gas emissions per year — indirectly supported by enabling renewable energy storage.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: riverheadlocal.com