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Council Approves Perry Proposal to Create a Regulatory Framework for Battery Energy Storage Systems in King County
September 24, 2024
The King County Council on Tuesday approved legislation that establishes regulations around how and where battery energy storage systems – essentially rechargeable battery arrays – can be set up.
These systems are becoming increasingly critical in the use of renewable energy, but without the proper safety, zoning and insurance requirements, they can pose a risk to people and the environment. The legislation approved Tuesday – brought forward by Councilmember Sarah Perry –aims to advance the county’s Strategic Climate Action Plan priorities by making battery energy storage systems of all scales an allowed use on nearly ninety-seven percent of the county’s unincorporated land area.
Battery energy storage systems help mitigate the often-intermittent supply from renewable energy sources like solar and wind. These systems, both consumer and commercial, store excess energy when demand is low, and then feed that back into the system when demand is high or production is low.
Because of the elements used in batteries, the systems can pose the risk of thermal runaway and associated secondary risks such as inhalation of smoke and gases.
Perry’s legislation is aimed at ensuring that battery energy storage systems are built in King County and located to minimize disruption of natural resource-related activity, are compatible with resource management, and protect public health and the environment. It will also hold operators responsible for the risks through insurance, safety, and environmental requirements.
Washington state in March adopted the updated edition of the International Fire Code, with new construction and fire safety requirements to minimize the risk of damage to nearby structures and properties. This code includes regulations that require testing, documentation and training of personnel, on-going inspection, size and separation requirements, vegetation control, fire detection and suppression, exhaust ventilation, explosion control, spill control, and thermal runaway protections.
The ordinance will take effect in October of this year.
BESS are an important tool in our toolkit for the necessary transition to a green energy economy and they are vital for achieving our shared goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050. However, as with any technological advance, it matters how we do it and the type of oversight we require. We have an opportunity to meet our clean energy needs while also acting with intention to implement guardrails that protect the residents of King County.
The BESS legislation helps meet our critical need for sustainable green energy in a way that is compatible with other important uses of land county-wide. But our work doesn’t end here — we will work to identify the optimal places for BESS facilities across the county. King County is committed to making sure these facilities meet the growing energy demands of our communities while safeguarding our environment.