In researching the landscape of energy projects planned for Knox County, our coalition discovered a significant pattern in the MISO (Midcontinent Independent System Operator) interconnection queue data: three battery energy storage system (BESS) projects intended for the Knox County area have been withdrawn.
The Withdrawn Projects
According to the MISO Generator Interconnection Queue, three Duke Energy Indiana transmission projects with battery storage components have been withdrawn:
- Project J2263 (DPP-2021 Study Cycle) - Edwardsport 345kV - WITHDRAWN
- Project J1601 (DPP-2020 Study Cycle) - Merom-Gibson Station - WITHDRAWN
- Project J3810 (DPP-2023 Study Cycle) - Edwardsport IGCC, 300MW - WITHDRAWN
Source: MISO Generator Interconnection Queue
These three projects span multiple study cycles from 2020 to 2023, indicating this isn't a single isolated decision but a pattern across different planning periods. All three were Duke Energy Indiana transmission projects, and all included battery energy storage components.
Why Do Projects Withdraw from MISO Queues?
Research into MISO interconnection queue withdrawals has identified several documented reasons why projects fail to proceed:
Economic Viability Concerns
One of the most significant factors is the cost of interconnection. Studies have found that withdrawn projects face interconnection costs averaging $452 per kilowatt, compared to just $102 per kilowatt for projects that successfully reach completion. This 343% cost differential can make projects economically unviable.
Regulatory Uncertainty
Projects require clear, predictable regulatory frameworks to secure financing and proceed with confidence. Uncertainty about local ordinances, permit requirements, or safety standards can create risk that developers and their financial backers are unwilling to accept.
Interconnection Queue Congestion
Nationally, approximately 70% of projects in MISO interconnection queues withdraw before completion. This high withdrawal rate reflects various challenges including transmission capacity constraints, changing market conditions, and regulatory complications.
What This Means for Knox County
The withdrawal of three battery storage projects across different study cycles from the same geographic area signals important challenges in current conditions. While we cannot speak to the specific internal reasons Duke Energy withdrew these particular projects, the pattern is noteworthy.
The Missing Regulatory Framework
Knox County's 2020 Solar Ordinance contains zero regulations addressing battery energy storage systems. We have:
- No BESS-specific setback requirements
- No fire safety standards for battery installations
- No emergency response protocols
- No specialized decommissioning requirements for batteries
- No environmental protection measures for BESS
This regulatory vacuum creates uncertainty for both developers who need clear standards and residents who need strong protections. When multiple projects across different time periods fail to proceed, it suggests current conditions aren't working—for anyone.
While solar panels are addressed in our 2020 ordinance, battery energy storage systems—which pose unique fire safety challenges and require specialized emergency response—have zero regulations. This gap creates risk for residents and uncertainty for legitimate development.
How Other Counties Have Addressed BESS
Many Indiana counties have recognized the unique challenges of battery storage and established comprehensive regulations:
- Jasper County: Requires 1,320-foot setbacks specifically for battery storage (versus 1,000 feet for solar panels alone)
- Wabash County: Established 1,320-foot BESS setbacks as part of their updated ordinance
- Multiple counties: Have added fire suppression requirements, emergency response plans, and specialized decommissioning bonds for battery components
These counties understand that battery storage systems require additional protections beyond standard solar panel regulations due to fire risks, toxic emissions potential, and specialized disposal requirements.
The Broader Context: 73 Counties Taking Action
Knox County isn't unique in grappling with solar development questions. However, we are increasingly in the minority for not having strengthened our protections. As of December 2024, 73 of Indiana's 92 counties (79%) have taken action by imposing moratoriums, passing bans, or strengthening their solar ordinances. Nineteen counties that already had ordinances made changes after initial implementation.
This statewide pattern tells us something important: counties across Indiana have recognized that their initial approaches needed strengthening. They've learned from experience and adjusted accordingly.
Moving Forward: What Knox County Needs
The withdrawal of three battery storage projects from our area, combined with the complete absence of BESS regulations in our ordinance, creates an opportunity. We can establish a clear, comprehensive regulatory framework that:
- Provides Clarity for Developers: Clear standards reduce regulatory uncertainty and allow legitimate projects to proceed with confidence
- Protects Residents: Proper setbacks, safety requirements, and emergency protocols safeguard communities near BESS installations
- Reduces Taxpayer Risk: Adequate decommissioning bonds and liability protections prevent public costs for cleanup
- Enables Informed Emergency Response: Local fire departments get the training, equipment, and protocols needed for BESS incidents
Strong regulations don't prevent development—they enable responsible development. When developers know exactly what's required and communities know they're protected, everyone benefits. The alternative—regulatory uncertainty combined with inadequate protections—serves no one well.
What You Can Do
The Knox County Coalition for Safe Solar Practices advocates for comprehensive regulations that address battery storage safety before any BESS projects are approved. This includes:
- Enhanced setback requirements for battery storage installations
- Fire suppression and thermal monitoring requirements
- Emergency response plans developed with local fire departments
- Specialized decommissioning bonds accounting for battery disposal costs
- Regular safety inspections and incident reporting
Contact your county commissioners and Area Planning Commission members to voice your support for establishing BESS regulations before approving any projects with battery storage components. Share this analysis with neighbors and community members so everyone understands what's at stake.
The data is clear: three battery storage projects have withdrawn from our area, and our ordinance has zero BESS regulations. We have an opportunity to learn from other counties and establish comprehensive protections now—before any battery storage projects break ground in Knox County.