What will the project look like?

See below for a rendering of a profile view of the project from its entrance on County Rd. 150 N.

All battery enclosures will be a minimum of 75 feet from the property lines with the closest residence over 1,500 feet away. In addition to the battery enclosures, the project will also include equipment similar to what you would find in a substation: inverters, transformers, electric wires and poles, small buildings for communications equipment, etc.

Also, there will be climate control equipment integrated into the containers similar to the HVAC systems you would find in a home or business. Surrounding the project there will be fencing for security purposes and whatever additional screenings the County Board may require.

How does it work?

We use energy storage all of the time in our everyday lives. The same battery technologies that power your phone, computer, and other electronic devices are smaller versions of the battery energy storage systems connected to our electrical grid. Energy storage systems charge and store electricity when it is least expensive and/or when there is a surplus on the grid so that it can be used when electricity is most needed due to high costs and/or limited supply.

How does it benefit the electrical grid?

Energy storage projects are vital to ensure grid reliability and resiliency, especially as we see increases in the number of intermittent generators such as solar and wind on the electrical grid. They can assist in more efficiently using utility resources by expanding their capability to meet peak demand. Additionally, during periods of grid stress, these energy storage systems can provide valuable extended operating power. When installed along existing transmission lines, as the Sangchris Energy Center will be, a battery energy storage system can help regulate the transmission of large quantities of electricity and ensure the reliability and stability of the line are maintained in times of stress. Systems of this type can also be used as an alternative to new transmission lines when electrical congestion becomes a concern for the surrounding infrastructure. Depending on the location and magnitude of storm impacts, the project could also help reduce the length and number of outages of the supply of electricity to the surrounding region during major storm and tornado events or accelerate the restoration of electricity in the event of an outage.

What is taken into consideration to ensure project safety?

Safety in the design, construction, and operation of energy storage systems is our highest priority. Through code compliance, effective design, operation, and maintenance, battery energy storage systems are safe. The risk of thermal runaway and subsequent fire is extremely low. These types of low risk activities are familiar in our everyday lives, such as heating our houses with natural gas or driving a car.

Each battery enclosure is controlled and monitored 24/7/365, allowing the facility to be closely managed and safely operated. Each enclosure is equipped with an integrated system of sensors, alarms, and fire detection and suppression systems. The operational management systems will be designed, installed, and operated according to applicable national and local fire code standards and regulations, which include energy storage-specific regulations.

Additionally, the Sangchris Energy Center does and will continue to have regular contact with local fire departments to facilitate coordination and training opportunities to ensure first responders are adequately trained & connected to industry experts to handle any system incidents or safety concerns.

Is it safe to live next door to a battery?

Yes. Many of us sleep with lithium-ion batteries right next to us (cell phones and laptops) or parked in our garage (electric vehicles). Energy storage projects are regularly built and operated in urban areas around the US and across the world, with very high safety records.

How did you choose this location?

We take into consideration many factors when deciding on a site location. In the case of the Sangchris Energy Center, we are most interested in the retiring Kincaid Power Station.

The power station’s retirement will cause the surrounding electrical transmission system to be underutilized. Projects like the Sangchris Energy Center will help to ensure that the system continues to be fully utilized and will help to replace tax revenue the County will lose when the power station retires.

How long do the batteries last? What happens after that?

We expect this facility to be in operation for at least 20 years, though the energy system’s useful life can vary based on use, maintenance, and augmentation activities.

The project will follow decommissioning requirements established through the relevant national/international operation codes and county ordinances, which will safely remove all equipment from the site and transport component parts to the appropriate recycling or waste management facilities at the end of the project life.

Where can I go if I want to learn more about Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)?

Please see below for a list of additional resources if you want to learn more about BESS.
Click the individual items to open the resources.