HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 2024 0918 CCSA REG ITEM 08A APPLICANT POWERPOINTMoorpark City Council Meeting
September 18, 2024
ITEM: 8.A.
Overview
•About Hecate Grid
•What is our requested amendment
•Why alternative enhanced screening is needed
•What benefits the amendment and BESS could provide
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Hecate Grid Overview
•Battery Energy Storage System
(BESS) developer with projects across
the US, founded in 2018.
•20 California projects in development,
under construction, or in operation
totaling 3+ GW.
•Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
•Experience operating BESS systems
since 2019 with no safety or fire
incidents.
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Hecate Grid Project Locations
Gwent Overview
Hecate Grid is proposing to construct the
Gwent Battery Storage Project .
●Provide critical, on -demand power
and increase renewable energy
access for Southern California
families and businesses.
●Connecting to SCE’s Moorpark
substation.
●Within a M-2 Limited Industrial
zoning district, where BESS is
permitted with a Conditional Use
Permit (CUP).
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Gwent Location in Moorpark
Our request: consider option of allowing alternative
screening for energy storage systems in the context of a
Development Agreement
•MMC allows “Energy Storage Within a Building” as a permitted land use with a
Conditional Use Permit within the M-1, M-2, I, and I-F zones. (MMC § 17.20.060.E.8).
•Proposed amendment would add a new note 7 to Table 17.20.060 that would allow
alternative screening methods if a project enters into a Development Agreement.
•Development Agreements require discretionary action by Council.
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Challenges of Enclosing BESS in Buildings
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Safety
•Emergency response access issues
•Less battery module separation
•Gateway fire (building, 17 days) vs.
Valley Center fire (container, 3 hours)
Engineering
•More cooling requirements
•More required infrastructure
•Larger footprint
•Limits on ingress/egress
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Warehouse facilities present significant
problems to us because of the sheer number of
batteries, the proximity to other batteries and
our ability to effectively mitigate a fire …
Containers tend to be considerably smaller, the
separation is greater ... so we definitely want to
move towards containerized solutions .”
“
Chief Tony Mecham
California Department of
Forestry & Fire Protection
San Diego County Unit
Our Request: Alternative Enhanced Screening
Currently, the Zoning Code provides for “energy storage within a building”
•One -sized fits all policy with no flexibility
•Restricts potential for BESS to protect local grid
•Not best practice; introduces undue risk
Our proposed amendment is a win-win:
•Council gains flexibility and input
•Limited exception, on a case-by-case basis
•Increases potential for BESS to protect local grid
•Closer to industry standards & practices
•Community benefits of Development Agreements
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BESS is a vital part of California’s clean
energy future.
•Provides power during peak-
demand periods.
•Can replace fossil fuel powered
peaker plants that contribute to
climate change and air pollution.
•Enables more clean, reliable
energy to reach Moorpark and
surrounding region.
•Increases grid resiliency and
reliability while helping California
achieve its ambitious climate
goals.
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Increases Potential for BESS to Benefit Region
Source: Energy Information Administration
Energy Resources Around
Ventura County
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Recognized Local Need
Ventura County Star, July 2024
In Conclusion
•Pre -screening: a “yes” vote tonight would simply allow the Council to
initiate consideration of the amendment.
•The amendment would allow Alternative Enhanced Screening only
through a Development Agreement approved by the Council.
•The amendment will make BESS more feasible in Moorpark.
•Climate and air quality benefits
•Aligns with general plan goals
•Increased grid resiliency and reliability
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Thank You