Rezoning recommended for Henderson battery storage project

Nov 07, 2024

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) — The Henderson County Joint Planning Commission said “yes” to a proposal that will move plans forward for a battery storage system. Henderson Municipal Power and Light asked for a zoning change for the site. The system would be located at 2230 South Green Street.

HMP&L wants to expand a nearly 7-acre substation to include a 12-megawatt battery storage system. The storage system would capture solar and wind energy and release it to provide electricity.

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“When we look at this potential project, what we’re seeing is that we expect it’s gonna save our customers overall between $750,000 to $1 million per year over the term of the agreement [with NextEra]…which is a 20-year deal,” says Brad Bickett, HMP&L’s General Manager.

NextEra Energy Resources has more renewable energy experience than any other company in the world and will provide 24/7 monitoring.

HMP&L’s request to recommend zoning be changed from general business to industrial was approved.

“This chemistry is called lithium iron phosphate. That’s an important point cause it is less energy dense than what you have in electric vehicles or your power tools, which is nickel magnesium cobalt (NMC) chemistry… more prone to having a thermal event,” says Bickett.

The risk is the system could catch fire. An unofficial design shows around 14 structures to hold batteries.

People who live near South Green Street feel they’d be trading zoning approval for good health.

“Lithium batteries have a flammable electrolyte. The fire is only the beginning. The fire melts the containers, and then its the smoke. The smoke is toxic and hazardous,” says Les Cannon, a resident that lives close to the site.

The superintendent of the county school district says he offers his support as a community leader and citizen.

“I appreciate their efforts to move us forward and save their customers money. I believe those savings over time will be a huge benefit,” says Bob Lawson, Superintendent of Henderson County Schools.

Officials say technology improvements will help ensure people’s safety, as they continue to work on a plan with fire agencies.

“In the early days, there was no way to isolate that or detect it now we’ve got various types of monitoring…various types of controls that will contain,” says Bickett.

Officials say the decision is a step forward , but does not mean development will begin. It gives HMP&L a chance to continue with the planning process.

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