Supporting Smart Development of Large-Scale Renewables

Large-scale energy development, including large-scale solar, is technically complex and encompasses a broad range of issues and processes, from site selection and project design to zoning, permitting, inspection, and interconnection. 

While large-scale renewables have a critical role to play in meeting growing U.S. energy needs and addressing the threat of climate change, intentionality is required to ensure these projects appropriately address community priorities and concerns. Important considerations range from protecting habitats and farmland to ensuring benefits for local residents to maintaining scenic views and much more. 

IREC specializes in equipping local governments—who are tasked with essential processes like permitting and zoning—with the resources and tools to ensure large-scale renewable development aligns with local priorities. 

Both private sector companies and local governments can benefit from support to balance conservation, economic, energy, and community needs. IREC empowers stakeholders with the knowledge to responsibly manage large-scale renewable energy development. Read on for an overview of our related resources and programs.

What Is Siting?

The process of determining where a new energy project can be built, and what requirements will be placed on the design, is called “siting.” Siting encompasses a variety of local government processes, including permitting, zoning, community engagement, and more. Successfully siting a renewable energy development―solar, wind, battery storage, or otherwise―requires approval from various governing bodies. IREC’s programs support local governments in shaping siting processes that accurately reflect the priorities of their residents.

R-STEP: Providing Critical Renewables Siting Support to Local Governments

IREC is proud to work with the State of Mississippi Development Authority (MDA)―Energy and Natural Resources Division under the Reliable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning (R-STEP™) program, a U.S. Department of Energy-funded initiative to provide state and local governments with resources and information to inform siting decisions for large-scale renewable energy development. By developing clear, predictable, and science-based siting processes that prioritize residents’ concerns, local governments can maximize the benefits of renewable energy.

Under this initiative, IREC is providing technical support on topics including siting, permitting, inspection, and other aspects of energy development. As utility-scale renewable energy development increases, particularly in rural areas, local governments need access to trusted resources that help them make informed decisions that balance various community priorities. Through the R-STEP program, IREC is helping local governments in Mississippi address renewables siting to maximize benefits, including lower energy costs, workforce and community development opportunities, grid resilience, and more.

With MDA, Mississippi State University (MSU), and Efficient Power & Light LLC, IREC is developing materials on the development of large-scale solar, wind, and other renewables, specifically tailored to Mississippi. In addition, we are offering free technical assistance, peer-learning opportunities, and trainings to local governments in the Magnolia State. More information about these resources and virtual sessions will be forthcoming. Sign up here to hear more.

Uncommon Dialogue: Addressing Solar Growth, Conservation, and Community Needs

The Uncommon Dialogue initiative, hosted by Stanford University, convenes representatives from the private, academic, and nonprofit sectors to identify best practices for large-scale solar development that are aligned with three imperatives in the development of large-scale U.S. solar projects:  climate, conservation, and community (the “3Cs”). 

IREC is a member of the siting working group, which is developing a risk-assessment and decision-making framework for large-scale solar siting, as well as analyzing trends in solar development on underutilized lands.

Large-Scale Solar and Energy Storage Systems Resources for Local Governments

The U.S. is experiencing dramatic electricity load growth for the first time in decades. Large-scale solar (LSS) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) offer one way to meet load growth needs while providing financial resources to communities in which they are built.

With support from the Esther A. & Joseph Klingenstein Fund, IREC has created a series of free materials to help local governments prepare for the growth of LSS and BESS developments, and access the information they need to make effective, fact-based decisions. These materials offer insights into best practices around planning, zoning, community engagement, and other measures. They offer guidance to help dispel misinformation, address residents’ needs and concerns, and ensure these projects provide benefits for communities.

SolSmart: Removing Barriers to Solar

IREC co-leads the Energy Ready suite of programs, including SolSmart, which provides free technical assistance for local governments looking to optimize their rooftop and large-scale solar measures. SolSmart offers specialized technical assistance to local governments as they seek to update their large-scale solar siting measures, and has dozens of free trainings, resources, and templates available.

Today, more than 550 local governments nationwide have achieved Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze designations and received additional support from SolSmart and other Energy Ready programs.