Arizona Planning Department Rejects Battery Energy Storage Project Amid Community Concerns

**Arizona Town’s Planning Department Rejects BESS Project Application**

Prospect14, a renewable energy developer, faced a setback last week when its application for a hybrid storage project in Chino Valley, Arizona, was denied by the town’s Planning & Zoning (P&Z) commission. This decision reflects the growing challenges developers face when seeking local approvals for energy storage projects, despite the increasing importance of such technologies for grid stability.

According to Prospect14’s president, Brendan Neagle, the recent public hearing was only the initial step in what they hope will be a continuing dialogue with the Chino Valley Town Council. Neagle emphasized that the public benefits package associated with the Wilkinson Family Solar Project would greatly benefit the community and landowners, stating, “We are excited to continue the conversation about our project… it is a true win for the community.”

The P&Z commission’s decision follows a prolonged wait for the permitting process, during which Prospect14 was delayed for several years. Laurie Lineberry, the town’s Development Services Director, remarked, “Morally, ethically and legally it is the right thing to do to allow this proposal to be brought forward.” The developers had previously been asked to hold off on their application due to the absence of zoning rules governing solar and storage in the area.

The Wilkinson Family Solar Project aims to pair 52.25MWac of solar PV with a 52.25MW/315MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) across 281 acres in Chino Valley. During the recent P&Z meeting, Sarah Rypkema, Project Development Manager at Prospect14, sought to reassure residents by clarifying that this project is distinct from another controversial proposal in the area, stating, “This is not Draconis… this is not a project that will send power to California.”

Concerns from local residents primarily revolved around the storage component, particularly fears regarding battery safety. Commissioner Teena Meadors questioned the necessity of batteries for a grid-connected solar plant, expressing, “Most people’s fear is the batteries catching on fire… if it’s connected to the grid, I don’t see why you need batteries.” Rypkema responded by explaining that BESS contributes to grid stability, especially with the integration of renewable energy sources.

The project is set to connect to the Arizona Public Service (APS) grid, for which Prospect14 already has an interconnection agreement. Rypkema disclosed that APS has shortlisted the project for a power purchase agreement (PPA), although some commissioners expressed apprehension based on past experiences with similar projects. Concerns were raised about APS potentially taking control of the project and expanding it without further approvals.

Towards the end of the meeting, Rypkema reassured the commission that any conditions attached to the conditional use permit (CUP) would remain in effect for any future owner, preventing any unauthorized expansion. However, without the necessary construction permits, Prospect14 has yet to secure a partner for the project. They plan to collaborate with DEPCOM Power to initiate construction next year, which is expected to take around 12 months.

Despite these reassurances, the P&Z commission ultimately voted to deny the project proposal from progressing to the City Council. Chair Charles Merritt noted that past meetings revealed significant opposition to solar projects, particularly regarding battery systems. He expressed skepticism about the carbon footprint of the renewable industry, stating that energy-intensive processes are required to produce solar technology.

Prospect14, established in 2017, aims to develop solar and solar-plus-storage projects. The company has stated its commitment to credible partnerships that will ensure the longevity and success of their projects. The full P&Z meeting can be viewed on YouTube.