By Gene Bove, INCE, GZA

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are being deployed at megawatt- to gigawatt-hour scales to help balance supply and demand, maximize renewable energy utilization, and provide grid stability.

To ensure stable energy delivery to residents, many states have instituted policies and incentives to encourage BESS development.  Once a power purchase agreement is in place, most BESS developers start with two considerations when identifying potential sites: 1. Is there a need for the facility, either to provide backup power or to store energy from renewable resources? and 2. How smoothly can the BESS be connected to the local utility grid?

Once potential sites have been screened for these considerations, developers can select the best possible site by performing some additional evaluations to minimize the risk of encountering costly surprises during design and construction.  

1. When selecting a site for development, conducting a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is a critical step in environmental due diligence. If you are purchasing the property, the ESA provides vital protection against future Superfund or state toxic waste liability claims. Conversely, if you are leasing the site, the ESA establishes an essential environmental baseline, so you are not held responsible for pre-existing contamination. Regardless of ownership, the Phase I ESA can uncover unresolved environmental issues that could impact project development, a concern amplified for multi-state entities dealing with varied and complex environmental regulations and associated liabilities.  “In addition, environmental due diligence can be an important step in project financing,” advises GZA’s Steve Kline. “A Phase I ESA can identify the environmental challenges and benefits of developing potential BESS facilities on either ‘Brownfield’ or ‘Greenfield’ properties.”
2. For BESS site selection, understanding and mitigating noise impact is essential for community acceptance and regulatory compliance. BESS units generate moderate noise; typically a low hum from cooling systems (high-speed fans and cooling systems), power conversion systems (inverters), and electric transformers. This sound, while generally quieter than diesel generators, can add sufficient noise that may violate local noise ordinances, particularly near residential areas. To prevent this, it is crucial to obtain accurate data on existing background noise levels and perform acoustic modeling of the proposed BESS before design, permitting, and installation. “Furthermore, developers must be aware of how local fire codes may limit noise reduction options. For example, fire codes may prohibit noise baffling enclosures, which reinforces the importance of addressing noise compliance requirements and maintain your standing as a ‘good neighbor,’” says GZA’s Ethan Wagner. 
3. Evaluating subsurface conditions for geotechnical design of foundations is vital when selecting a BESS site, given that these units can weigh many thousands of pounds, requiring robust foundation support. As GZA’s Dharmil Patel explains, "getting a clear picture of what’s underground helps you design appropriate foundations to support the BESS, including whether you need to improve the soil, remove rock, or carry loads through soft soils down to firm soils to keep the BESS safe and stable." Understanding these subsurface conditions is paramount for engineering an appropriate and economical foundation. Furthermore, the proximity of abutters must also be factored in, as nearby property lines can significantly complicate foundation and site-preparation requirements.
4. “Environmental Permitting requirements can determine the feasibility of constructing a BESS site,” says GZA’s Julia Braunmueller. “We will typically review available municipal regulations, zoning, and environmental resource data to identify potential issues, such as wetland restrictions, FEMA 100-year flood plains, rare and endangered species habitat, etc., that may result in time delays or significant additional expense. Our approach is to summarize the key attributes of existing conditions, and identify potential issues, listing relevant local, state, and federal environmental and siting permits that are identified during the review for the BESS developer’s consideration.  Based on this review, we will often develop a “permit matrix” of requirements that may be necessary for the development of a BESS facility. The permit matrix will list the responsible agencies, expected permit timeframes, and additional information that may be useful in determining the viability of a site.”

U.S. battery energy storage capacity jumped 66 percent in 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, with projections indicating even faster growth in the coming years. The value proposition is compelling for all stakeholders, from individual building owners to utilities, offering a more resilient power grid and substantial cost savings through arbitrage—storing energy during low-price hours and deploying it to cover peak demands during high-price hours. However, it is a technology where the fast track “no surprises” approach to site selection safeguards against major operational and financial risks. Careful and early evaluation of BESS sites’ environmental, geotechnical, noise, and permitting requirements can make all the difference in fast tracking to project success.

The Author:

Gene Bove, INCE, Sr. Project Mgr., GZA Gene Bove, INCE, is a Senior Project Manager at GZA and a leader in the firm’s acoustic and noise analysis practice. He has been involved in siting and development of BESS sites around the country, including more than 100 in New York State.