As solar projects increasingly incorporate Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), Knox County faces a critical gap in our regulatory framework: our 2020 Solar Ordinance contains no provisions whatsoever for battery storage safety. This isn't a theoretical concern—several proposed projects in Knox County include significant battery storage components.
Knox County's Solar Ordinance has zero regulations addressing battery energy storage systems despite multiple proposed projects including BESS components.
What Are Battery Energy Storage Systems?
BESS installations use large-scale lithium-ion batteries (similar to but much larger than those in electric vehicles) to store energy generated by solar panels. While this technology has benefits for grid stability, it also presents unique safety challenges that require specific regulations and emergency response protocols.
Safety Concerns with BESS
Fire and Thermal Runaway
The primary safety concern with large lithium-ion battery installations is thermal runaway—a chain reaction where one battery cell overheating can cause adjacent cells to overheat, potentially leading to fires that are extremely difficult to extinguish. These fires can burn for days and release toxic gases.
Recent incidents across the country have highlighted these risks. Battery storage facilities have experienced fires in California, Arizona, and other states, in some cases requiring evacuation of nearby residents and days of firefighting efforts.
Emergency Response Challenges
BESS fires present unique challenges for local fire departments. Traditional firefighting methods are often ineffective, requiring specialized training, equipment, and massive amounts of water. Many rural fire departments lack the resources and training to safely respond to BESS incidents.
Have Knox County emergency services received training on BESS incident response? Do we have the specialized equipment needed? What is the evacuation plan for residents near proposed battery storage sites?
Toxic Emissions
When lithium-ion batteries burn, they can release hazardous gases including hydrogen fluoride, which poses serious health risks to anyone exposed. Wind patterns can carry these emissions to neighboring properties and communities.
Recent Project Withdrawals
Notably, several battery storage components of proposed Knox County solar projects have been withdrawn from the MISO interconnection queue. While the solar components remain, the battery storage portions have been removed. This raises important questions about project viability and developer concerns that merit public discussion.
What Other Counties Are Doing
Many Indiana counties have recognized these concerns and implemented comprehensive BESS regulations including:
- Enhanced setback requirements specifically for battery storage
- Requirements for emergency response plans and training for local fire departments
- Mandatory safety systems and monitoring
- Decommissioning bonds that account for the specialized disposal requirements of batteries
- Environmental impact assessments addressing potential contamination
- Prohibitions on certain battery chemistries with higher risk profiles
What Knox County Needs
Before approving any solar project with battery storage components, Knox County should establish comprehensive BESS regulations that address:
- Safety Standards: Requirements for fire suppression systems, thermal monitoring, and ventilation
- Emergency Planning: Detailed emergency response plans developed in coordination with local fire departments
- Setbacks: Appropriate distances from residences, roads, and other structures
- Insurance and Bonding: Adequate coverage for potential incidents and cleanup
- Monitoring and Reporting: Regular safety inspections and incident reporting requirements
- Decommissioning: Safe disposal plans and adequate bonds for battery removal
Approving projects with battery storage before establishing safety regulations puts Knox County residents at unnecessary risk. We need comprehensive BESS guidelines before, not after, these facilities are built.
Taking Action
This is one of the key issues our coalition is raising with county officials. Battery storage technology can play a role in renewable energy, but it must be deployed with proper safety measures and community protections in place. Contact your county commissioners and planning officials to voice your concerns about approving BESS projects without adequate regulations.
The time to establish these protections is now—before any battery storage projects break ground in Knox County.