Expanding Permitting for Decarbonization
In Goal 14, DEEP is exploring and implementing best practices to streamline renewable energy permitting and maximize investments in critical decarbonization efforts, including to meet decarbonation goals and follow plans, such as DEEP’s 2021 Integrated Resources Plan. Background on this goal is presented in DEEP’s 20BY26, Setting the Target: CT DEEP 2026 Goals (February 2024).
Latest Progress (as of Winter 2025)
DEEP continued work on the Community Renewable Energy Siting Tool (CREST) mapping application, pursuant to PA 24-31, and made the CREST available to members of the CREST Collaborative, CEEJAC, CT Office of Policy Management, and the CT Legislature to test drive. As part of our research to provide recommendations for streamlining, DEEP evaluated decarbonization models in various states and developed infographics to visualize the permitting processes related to renewable energy generation projects.
DEEP, along with partners NASEO and ECOS, hosted their third workshop on March 6, 2025, for energy and environmental state representatives from New England, New York, and New Jersey with a presentation on “Planning for Future Electricity Demand Drivers” from ISO New England.
Up Next
DEEP will launch the CREST on a dedicated webpage and host a recorded demonstration webinar on June 18, 2025 with UConn CLEAR. The STEPS team will continue to work on developing strategic recommendations for decarbonization related to the siting and permitting of renewable energy projects.
The next workshop with ECOS and NASEO is anticipated in Fall 2025.
GOAL 14 PROGRESS FROM PREVIOUS QUARTERS
Fall 2024
DEEP kicked off the Community Renewable Energy Siting Tool (CREST) Collaborative in October 2024, bringing together representatives from 25 organizations - municipal, conservation, farmland, solar developers, climate advocates, and others. This group advised DEEP and UCONN-CLEAR on the development of a renewable energy suitability siting map, pursuant to PA 24-31 (Sec. 5). DEEP then created a beta version of CREST, leveraging ArcGIS Online to publish an interactive application with layers identified as integral to siting future solar projects in Connecticut. Beta CREST was presented at the December 2024 CREST Collaborative meeting for their feedback.
In November 2024, DEEP worked with ECOS and NASEO to offer a regional permitting for decarbonization workshop: “Clean Energy Infrastructure Permitting and Timing – Opportunities and Challenges" – the first in a series of these workshops – during which NYSERDA focused on NY’s permitting successes and challenges.
In December 2024, DEEP released a draft report, held a public comment meeting, and delivered the Final CSC Study to the Connecticut General Assembly.
Summer 2024
In July, DEEP co-hosted a regional permitting for decarbonization workshop with the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) and the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO), featuring energy and environmental representatives from New England states, New York, and New Jersey.
BETP participated in a working group led by CT Green Bank on decommissioning and disposal of batteries for energy storage and photovoltaic panels.
Pursuant to PA 24-144 (Sec. 12), DEEP began, with partner agencies, a study of the Connecticut Siting Council (CSC), received 65 public scoping comments, and set a public comment meeting.
Winter and Spring 2024
DEEP assessed the challenges associated with site development for solar energy generation and created a hierarchy of siting considerations for developers, which will be fundamental for projects to smoothly navigate the regulatory process. This hierarchy will be incorporated in future Sustainable, Transparent, and Efficient Practices for Solar (STEPS) siting guidance.
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Content last updated July 2025