Think of a battery energy storage system as a larger, highly engineered version of the batteries we use every day. However, instead of charging our phones or cars, they store excess energy from the grid when energy usage is low, hold it until it’s needed, and then push that energy back into the community during times of peak demand. Remember those super-hot days back in August when everyone was cranking their AC to the max? That is when battery energy storage systems help alleviate strain on the grid, reducing the risk for outages while saving homeowners additional money by reducing the need for more expensive peak-time electricity.

Last week, Groundwork co-hosted a BESS 101 webinar alongside the Michigan Conservative Energy Forum (MiCEF). The event broke down the “what, when, and why” of battery energy storage in Michigan, and one simple yet often overlooked reminder stood out: energy supply and demand must always remain in balance moment by moment throughout the day. And that’s exactly where battery storage steps in. 

During the webinar, we heard from three expert panelists who each brought a unique perspective. Below is a quick snapshot of their insights:

Emily Alspa, Vice President of Development at Jupiter Power

Jupiter Power leads and manages more than four battery storage projects in Michigan, including the state’s first-ever operational facility in Coldwater Township. The Coldwater project features a 100-megawatt, 4-hour system occupying roughly 7 acres. Put simply, that’s enough electricity to power about 100,000 homes for an hour — or nearly 13,000 homes for an entire day.

To visualize it another way: just a little over 5 football fields of space can support enough energy to power tens of thousands of households. That’s a remarkably small land-use footprint for such a critical piece of local energy infrastructure.

Emily also emphasized how these facilities are designed to be good neighbors. Construction generates minimal traffic, sites comply with dark-sky lighting and noise requirements, and facilities do not create pollution or use groundwater—all tailored to meet local township standards.

Another major community benefit is increased tax revenue. For example, Saline Township received a $500,000 EGLE Community Readiness Award, which boosts the local economy and helps support community needs. Additionally, over the project’s 20-year projected lifespan, Saline Township will receive an additional $1.3 million in tax revenue and $6.2 million to support local schools.

Madeleine Krol, Clean Energy Land Use Specialist from the Graham Sustainability Institute at UofM

2023 legislation in Michigan is driving the adoption of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) by changing the permitting process to help local land owners and communities pursue clean energy projects while ensuring projects meet generally accepted safe operational and environmental standards. The legislation also includes a mandate to build 2,500 megawatts of energy storage in Michigan by 2029, which creates an urgent need for battery system growth to meet that target.

PA235 established the energy storage mandate, which allows developers to obtain permits from the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) for projects that are 50 megawatts or greater.

Even without a complete Compatible Renewable Energy Ordinance (CREO), local officials can adopt workable ordinances that developers can reasonably accommodate. This provides counties or townships with meaningful input over a project while keeping energy storage projects viable. 

It’s worth noting that local officials can implement other workable ordinances that allow developers to collaborate with local counties or townships on energy storage projects, even without a complete Compatible Renewable Energy Ordinance (CREO).

It’s a common misperception that battery storage facilities are only for renewable energy. Many battery storage facilities planned for Michigan are not related to renewable energy generation at all. They simply serve to take in power when there’s excess and release power when it’s needed to keep energy costs down and achieve that moment-by-moment balance of power supply and demand.

The University of Michigan is producing valuable resources, including a battery energy storage guidebook aimed at local officials, found below. 

•  Planning & Zoning for Battery Energy Storage Systems: A Guide for Michigan Local Governments 
• Battery Energy Storage System Deployment: Local and State Policy Considerations.

Captain Richard Birt, founder of Solar and Fire Education (S.A.F.E)

Safety is a common concern for many people when it comes to large-scale battery storage facilities. Fortunately, advancements in battery technology and fire safety measures have significantly reduced these risks. One notable improvement is the use of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, which sets a new safety standard.

In Michigan, battery storage facilities utilize LFP chemistry, which is much safer compared to older types like lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC). LFP reduces the risks of thermal runaway, and these facilities are designed with good ventilation instead of being enclosed.

Fire departments have developed National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards for battery safety at the cell, module, and system levels. This means that the batteries are rigorously tested and monitored to ensure safety.

Firefighters consider large battery storage facilities low-risk of fire compared to the everyday lithium-ion batteries we use at home. Many of these household batteries don’t meet the same safety standards and are often left unattended.

In rural areas, like northern Michigan, volunteer fire departments face challenges with staffing and training. Therefore, developers must collaborate with these departments to provide the necessary training and resources for first responders. This step is essential in the successful implementation of battery storage facilities.

Captain Richard recommends that communities actively go to public hearings to inquire about battery chemistry and containment design to ensure local safety preparedness. 

That was a lot of information on BESS! If you’d like to dive deeper, including a 20-minute Q&A with our panelists, 👉click HERE to watch the full webinar.

Lyla Hollis is Groundwork’s Clean Energy Specialist. lyla.hollis@groundworkcenter.org