This article is the final installment in a five-part series exploring the critical components of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) development. Each article in the series highlights a pivotal phase or document essential to navigating the complexities of BESS projects.
In previous installments, we discussed the foundational importance of Term Sheets and Letters of Intent (LOIs), the necessity of Site Control, best practices for Permitting, and strategies for Navigating Project Timelines. In this concluding piece, we focus on a factor that influences every stage of development yet is often underestimated—the importance of building strong relationships with stakeholders.
The Long-Term Nature of BESS Development
BESS projects are long-term endeavors, often taking several years to develop and requiring lease agreements that can span 30 years or more. From the initial introduction to a prospective property owner to the moment the system is energized, developers must interact with a wide range of stakeholders, including landowners, municipal officials, regulatory agencies, and community members. Inevitably, not all stakeholders will be enthusiastic about a proposed battery storage project, making relationship management a critical component of success.
While it may be impossible to satisfy everyone, proactively fostering strong relationships can streamline approvals, mitigate conflicts, and create a more efficient and predictable development process.
The Property Owner: A Key Relationship
Among all stakeholders, the relationship with the property owner is arguably the most important. As the foundation of any BESS project, landowners must feel confident in the project’s viability, benefits, and long-term impact. Trust and transparency are essential from the outset.
I often emphasize that “we are not just in the energy business; we are in the real estate and relationship business.” Every successful project hinges on a developer’s ability to establish and maintain strong connections with landowners, permitting authorities, and customers.
A well-executed approach involves:
- Early Transparency – Clearly outlining the project’s objectives, benefits, and potential challenges from the beginning.
- On-Site Engagement – Meeting in person with landowners to walk the site, address concerns, and demonstrate commitment to collaboration.
- Proactive Issue Resolution – Anticipating potential hurdles and addressing them before they become roadblocks.
- Ongoing Communication – Keeping the landowner up to date and maintaining the relationship post-site control and pre-NTP will ensure a solid relationship is in place for conversations that may arise surrounding option extensions, consent forms and site plan modifications.
The Broader Stakeholder Network
Beyond landowners, developers must engage proactively with municipal leaders, permitting agencies, and local communities. Opposition to BESS projects is not uncommon, often stemming from misunderstandings about the technology or concerns over land use. Taking the time to educate, listen, and incorporate feedback can significantly improve public perception and facilitate a smoother approval process.
Additionally, maintaining strong relationships with local contractors, environmental consultants, and legal advisors ensures that the project remains on track, reducing costly delays or regulatory setbacks.
Conclusion
Successful BESS development is about more than securing land and permits — it is about building lasting relationships that sustain projects for decades. By prioritizing transparency, proactive communication, and stakeholder engagement, developers can navigate the complexities of energy storage projects more efficiently and create mutually beneficial outcomes for all involved.
As the industry continues to evolve, those who master the art of relationship management will be best positioned to accelerate project timelines, overcome challenges, and drive the future of sustainable energy storage.
Joe Tassone Jr. is founder and a principal of Oncore Origination and has over twenty-eight years of project development experience. Visit www.oncoreorig.com for more information.