Similar storage facilities are being built across the country as the nation works to transition to renewable energy sources. City Manager Chris Price said another facility is looking to set up shop in Chesapeake, but this one would need a council-authorized use permit as it wouldn’t be in an area zoned for industrial use.
The facility was first discussed in February and council members deferred the vote until the applicants had more time to meet with nearby residents and address their concerns. Grady Palmer, an attorney representing Crossroads Energy Storage LLC, said the applicant has added a 60-decibel noise limit for its facility, along with 24/7 monitoring and physical inspections twice a month, which will remain in place for the life of the project. Applicants also expanded the vegetative buffer of trees and shrubs around the facility.
Palmer called the facility “critical infrastructure” for the evolving electric grid, explaining that energy will be stored when demand is low and discharged when it’s high. Ben Weisel, a consultant with Plus Power, told members their facility has the ability to service 10,000 residents and businesses.
Price said the land has been zoned industrial since the 1960s.
“So you’re approving extra mitigation, extra buffers, extra landscaping, extra fire detection, extra noise suppression,” he said.
Crossroads Energy Storage’s application states it’s expected to be operating by 2028. As part of the siting agreement, the company will also contribute nearly $12,000 to aid the city’s deployment of broadband infrastructure.
Natalie Anderson, 757-732-1133, natalie.anderson@virginiamedia.com