In our blog article Land Leasing for Battery Storage – Keeping Your Project On Track, we identified two key factors in keeping battery storage projects on track:
- Securing use of land in the most advantageous locations
- Obtaining the financial bonding and surety requirements
In this article, we enlarge our focus to cover more broadly the factors for overall battery storage project success.
Battery Storage Project Success Factors
Leasing land for a battery storage project is a critical aspect of the project’s success. It is essential to find the right location that meets the project’s technical, economic, and environmental requirements. Here are some primary considerations to consider when leasing land for a battery storage project:
Location and Site Suitability. The location and site suitability are the most critical considerations when leasing land for a battery storage project. The site should be close to the power grid infrastructure and have sufficient land area to accommodate the battery storage system’s size and capacity. The site should also be accessible to heavy equipment and transportation to allow for the delivery and installation of the equipment. The site should have the necessary environmental and regulatory approvals, such as zoning and land-use permits.
Access to Power Grid Infrastructure. Access to power grid infrastructure is crucial when leasing land for a battery storage project. The project needs to be connected to the power grid to provide services, such as frequency regulation and voltage support. The site should be located near existing transmission lines or substations that can accommodate the battery storage system’s power output. The project team should also consider the availability of transmission and interconnection services and the associated costs.
Environmental Considerations. Environmental considerations are also important when leasing land for a battery storage project. The site should have minimal environmental impacts, such as avoiding sensitive ecosystems, habitats, or protected areas. The project team should conduct a thorough environmental assessment to identify potential impacts and develop mitigation measures. The site should also have sufficient water resources for the battery cooling system and consider the potential impacts on local water resources.
Security and Safety. Security and safety are critical considerations when leasing land for a battery storage project. The site should be located in a secure location, minimizing the risk of theft or vandalism. The site should also be safe for workers and the community, with appropriate safety and emergency response plans in place. The project team should also consider any potential security risks associated with the project, such as cyber threats or terrorist attacks.
Land Use and Ownership. Land use and ownership are also essential considerations when leasing land for a battery storage project. The project team should identify the landowner and negotiate lease terms and conditions that are favorable to the project. The team should also consider any restrictions on land use, such as easements or covenants, that may limit the project’s development or operation. The team should also consider the potential for future land use changes that may impact the project’s long-term viability, including the future development of subsurface minerals, including Oil & Gas drilling and mining.
Economic Considerations. Economic considerations are also critical when leasing land for a battery storage project. The project team should consider the cost of leasing the land and the associated taxes and fees. The team should also consider the potential revenue streams from the project, such as energy sales or capacity payments, and ensure that the project’s economics are viable over the project’s lifetime. The team should also consider any potential regulatory or policy changes that may impact the project’s revenue streams.
In conclusion, leasing land for a battery storage project requires careful consideration of a range of technical, economic, and environmental factors. The project team should conduct a thorough assessment of potential sites to ensure that the project meets its technical and economic requirements while minimizing environmental impacts and ensuring safety and security. The team should also negotiate favorable lease terms and conditions and consider the potential for future changes in land use or regulatory environments that may impact the project’s viability.
Technology-Driven Land Services
TCO Land Services provides a comprehensive lineup of technology-based services that deliver a consistent, high-quality product in a more efficient way. That means projects get done faster, more accurately and efficiently.
CHECK OUT TCO’S TECHNOLOGY PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TITLESUITE
TitleSuite is our technology platform for delivering land services more efficiently, productively, and accurately. That means projects get done faster, more accurately, and efficiently with complete transparency.
TitleSuite allows us to be masters in efficiency. With technology backing every project, our clients receive organized, interactive, and memorialized projects that are easily accessed from anywhere. Over 142 companies and 763 users trust TitleSuite with their critical land records.
TitleSuite Benefits
TCO TitleSuite delivers critical benefits for developers of utility-scale battery storage projects, including:
- Complete electronic paper trail of documents to evidence title, substantiate potential minerals development and assure curative.
- Clear and concise audit trail to make it easier for title and surety agencies to evaluate and rate project risk.
- Speeds M&A due diligence so transactions get closed in an efficient and timely manner.
Contact TCO Land Services today for a free consultation on your solar farm project and determine if we can help you achieve your goals.
Contact
Tim Hartnett
Renewables Project Manager
T: (303) 298 – 8108
E: thartnett@tcolandservices.com