As the push for renewable energy grows, so does the debate over the role of large-scale battery storage in Western Washington. These battery farms are crucial for stabilizing the electric grid as more renewable energy sources come online, but they are facing increasing opposition from local communities.
Over the past year, a growing number of cities and counties have implemented temporary bans on new utility-scale battery storage systems, reflecting community concerns. At the same time, developers have retracted about twelve battery storage project proposals from Puget Sound Energy’s interconnection queue.
Green energy advocates, trade unions, and developers are launching renewed campaigns to convince the public of the necessity of these battery systems for maintaining a stable power supply amid the rise of renewable energy.
Battery farms function like enormous rechargeable batteries. They store energy during periods of low demand or when renewable sources like wind and solar are plentiful. This stored energy can then be released back into the grid when demand spikes, or renewable generation dips.
Scott Bolton, senior vice president of external affairs at BrightNight Power, commented, “If what the community is really communicating is: We want to pump the brakes a little bit. We want to understand these technologies. We want to understand their safety, their placement in our community. … That’s a condition that I think we need to adapt to.”
However, if the community is entirely opposed to these solutions, Bolton finds this deeply concerning, stating, “If these moratoriums are communicating, we just don’t want these solutions, that’s very troubling at the end of the day because, you know, if not this, then what?”
Concerns from opponents center on potential safety risks, such as the possibility of lithium-ion battery fires, which could result in toxic smoke and harmful runoff.
From King County to Skagit and Kitsap, concerns have spread, with independent developers proposing commercial battery energy storage systems in these areas. Critics, like Anacortes resident Elke Siller Macartney, have voiced their apprehensions, citing the risks of fires and noise from cooling fans.
While developers assert that battery fires are rare and improvements have been made since earlier systems, skeptics remain. Online communities continue to circulate reports of battery-related fires occurring globally.
Michael Carrington, an insurance underwriter with Tokio Marine GX, maintains that commercial energy storage systems are now quite advanced, stating, “The likelihood of any kind of fire is very low.” He notes that safety improvements like off-gas sensors and proper battery spacing have become industry norms.
Why do Northwest utilities want battery storage?
Major utilities in the Northwest, such as Puget Sound Energy, Avista, and Portland General Electric, have been actively seeking battery storage solutions. These systems were initially linked with solar and wind farms in less densely populated areas, which has prompted a push for standalone battery farms closer to urban centers to alleviate transmission issues.
PSE aims to install 1,500 megawatts of storage by 2030, starting with a 200-megawatt project in Sumner by BrightNight and Cordelio Power. Several other projects are in development but face significant community opposition.
Mary Kipp, CEO of PSE, emphasized, “Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are an important part of PSE’s plans to provide the reliable power our customers expect while delivering more of the clean energy required by Washington’s aggressive clean energy requirements.”
A 25-megawatt battery storage project near Arlington Municipal Airport, developed by Ameresco, is set to become the first of its kind in western Washington.
Clean & Prosperous, a Seattle nonprofit, warns that blocking these facilities could hinder renewable expansion and extend reliance on fossil fuels. “This is not infrastructure that is just nice to have. It’s critical infrastructure,” said Isaac Kastama, the group’s director of government relations.
Moratoriums and permit reform
In response to local concerns, numerous jurisdictions have enacted temporary bans on new battery storage facility applications. These moratoriums, lasting six months to a year, do not affect installations for residential use.
Dan Murphy, a council member from Snoqualmie, stated, “The moratorium gives cities the time to better study the issue, press pause and look into all of these matters.”
Several cities and counties have voted for these moratoriums recently, including Carnation, Puyallup, and Kitsap County, among others. These actions follow earlier votes by other jurisdictions seeking time to develop local regulations on siting, screening, and safety.
Meanwhile, in Oregon, Marion County has imposed a permanent ban on commercial battery storage around Salem.
Seeking insights from other states, Clean & Prosperous organized a trip to Texas, where battery storage and renewable energy are thriving. The delegation included Washington state legislators and utility executives, who explored how Texas streamlined its permitting process.
Despite the challenges, Puget Sound Energy’s upcoming project in Sumner exemplifies the lengthy process involved; it will have taken approximately four years to complete by the time it starts operations.
Original Story at www.spokesman.com