Connecticut Siting Council approves battery storage facility

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On Jan. 23 the Connecticut Siting Council approved an application by Key Capture Energy (KCE CT 11, LLC) to build a 4.99-megawatt lithium-ion battery energy storage facility (BESS) at 100 Salmon Brook Street. The council issued its approval despite significant public safety and environmental concerns raised by both the Town of Granby and individual members of the council. The council, not any town, has the final say on all electrical and communication site approvals in the state.

With live video of the uncontained Moss Landing lithium-ion battery plant fire in California as a backdrop, First Selectman Mark Fiorentino held a press conference on Jan. 17 in an effort to influence the council’s decision. The Town remains strongly opposed the KCE project.

The council has denied approval of lithium-ion battery sites in other Connecticut towns with environmental and safety issues like those in Granby. A fire, such as in California, would require additional equipment and training for LAFD, cause aquifer (under the site) and brook pollution from the thousands of gallons of water required to extinguish a battery storage fire, be hampered by limited emergency ingress and egress to the site and the proximity of high occupancy housing and commercial buildings. These are all reasons the Town asked CSC to deny the application.

A Jan 9 straw-vote by the council indicated it might approve the application. In response, Fiorentino held the press conference and his statement, read to television reporters, press representatives and attending citizens. His statement has been reprinted in this month’s issue.

Fiorentino has told the Drummer that the board of selectmen is expected to evaluate options to continue to oppose the project. The press conference is available at gctv16.org/viewshows/view/kce-battery-project-press-conference—01-17-25/

Submitted by Mark Fiorentino and Chris Levandowski