Ada County conditionally approves 150 MW solar-plus-storage project with strict fire and decommissioning requirements

The Ada County Board of Commissioners voted Dec. 30 to approve a 150-megawatt solar and battery-storage project subject to a set of revised conditions that address decommissioning, fire protection and emergency response.

County staff said the project would occupy over 1,000 acres near facilities south of the city and that a sizable portion of the footprint is on state land. Revisions to the findings of fact add a decommissioning bond requirement, a fire management plan, proof of annexation to the appropriate fire district, certified water quantity and quality for on‑site fire response, and a plan addressing lithium battery fire response.

Commissioners stressed the dangers posed by lithium-ion battery fires and the need for clear, funded emergency plans. Commissioner Daley said water serves two functions in such incidents: it can help cool equipment and it provides a buffer to limit fire spread across vegetation near desert installations. The board also required a facility storage cabinet with emergency procedures and training documentation.

The motion to approve the revised findings and conditions carried on a voice vote. Staff said they included a financial assurance requirement patterned after state decommissioning standards and will not finalize permits until required fire‑safety and decommissioning conditions are satisfied.

Next steps: staff will confirm the decommissioning bond, fire‑district annexation and documented water supply before issuing final approvals.