Consultant outlines battery storage basics, site needs and timelines

Kieran, a Burns & McDonnell consultant, told the Public Utility Advisory Board that a battery energy storage system (BESS) is rated by both power and energy and that batteries are commonly used to shift solar generation to meet late-day peaks. "BESS is battery energy storage system," he said, describing the role of a PCS (power conversion system) in translating DC battery output to AC for the grid.

Kieran described common form factors — cells into modules, modules into racks and racks inside 20- to 40-foot enclosures — and gave a site-size example: a 250-megawatt project could require roughly 5–10 acres for the storage component plus additional acreage for a project substation and safety/maintenance access. He highlighted common utility use cases, including peak shifting to address the "duck curve," market arbitrage (buy low/sell high) and grid-stability services.

On cost and timing, Kieran said the bulk of project expenditures go to equipment supplied by OEMs or integrators, with the remainder in EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) and site work. He described typical development timelines: site selection and permitting often take one to three years, lead times for certain high-voltage equipment (transformers, breakers) can be two to three years, and battery modules themselves may have lead times of roughly 12 months. Kieran cautioned that the interconnection queue and permitting are frequently on the project's critical path.

Board members asked about phased deployments and local siting standards. Kieran said large projects are often built in phases and that NFPA 855 governs siting clearances and safety standards for energy storage installations. He also discussed noise sources (HVAC and thermal-management fans), modeling approaches for perimeter decibel limits and mitigation options such as distance or sound barriers.

The presentation concluded with staff noting the presenter's slides will be attached to the meeting record so the public can review them later. The board requested staff forward their drafting suggestions about siting and screening to the council as part of UDO amendment discussions.