Press Releases

DEEP Launches New Online Tool to Assist Solar Siting

(HARTFORD)— The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced today that it has launched a new online tool that will enable a more transparent and efficient siting and permitting process for large-scale renewable energy projects, while at the same time protecting Connecticut’s environmental and natural resources.

In late February, DEEP launched efforts to develop a new Integrated Resources Plan (IRP), which will highlight strategies Connecticut can pursue to secure an affordable, reliable, and clean electric supply over the next ten years (2026-2035). One element of the IRP, mandated in Public Act 24-31, is for DEEP to produce an online map by May 2025 to assist with the “potential siting of solar projects in the state” and further the goal of increasing the state’s supply of zero-carbon energy.  

Developed in partnership with the University of Connecticut’s Center for Land Use Education and Research (UConn CLEAR), the Community Renewable Energy Siting Tool (CREST) uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping to display data in a compelling, easy-to-access format. CREST is free to the public and does not require specialized GIS software to use.  

“Large-scale renewable energy projects are an important component of our strategy to meet our energy supply needs, make electricity more affordable for residents, and continue progress toward the state’s target of a 100% zero carbon electric supply by 2040,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “This new tool will inform the siting process and also provide greater transparency to the public.”

Connecticut is the nation’s 4^th most densely populated state, making it especially important to ensure solar development is balanced with a wide variety of community needs that are also priorities for the state such as land that hosts public recreation, agriculture, wildlife habitat, housing, and many other uses.  

CREST was developed with advice from representatives of over 20 organizations spanning municipalities and regional councils of government; community-based organizations advocating for farmland, open space, wildlife, and renewable energy outcomes; electric utilities; solar developers; environmental advocacy organizations; and others.  

CREST is available online via: CREST Solar Suitability Application 

More information about CREST and about Sustainable, Transparent, and Efficient Practices (STEPS) for solar development is available at Steps for Solar Development. 

UConn CLEAR is hosting a webinar with DEEP on June 18^th at 1:00 p.m. to demonstrate how to use CREST. This and other webinars offered by UConn CLEAR are available via CLEAR Webinar Library | Center for Land Use Education and Research.   

Photo: screenshot of the CREST tool.

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Contact

DEEP Communications  
DEEP.communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110