Daly City council approves major battery energy storage project at 2150 Geneva Avenue

The Daly City City Council meeting on February 24, 2025, focused on a significant proposal for a battery energy storage system at 2150 Geneva Avenue. The council reviewed multiple planning entitlements, including a general plan amendment, zone change, use permit, design review, and a development agreement, all aimed at facilitating the construction of the facility.

The project, proposed by Korma Energy Storage, seeks to develop an 11-acre vacant lot into a 250-megawatt battery storage system, which will connect to the PG&E Martin Substation via a 115-kilovolt transmission line. The facility is expected to be operated by Airborne Energy, a company with extensive experience in battery storage, having managed over 2,650 megawatts of such systems since 2021 without safety incidents.

During the meeting, city staff presented the project's background, noting that the planning entitlement review was completed in November 2024, and a public hearing was held by the Planning Commission in December, which recommended approval. Public comments received included support from local community leaders and organizations, highlighting the project's potential financial benefits for Daly City, including an estimated $4 million in annual sales tax revenue and over $27 million in property tax payments throughout its lifespan.

The council discussed the project's environmental impact, confirming that a mitigated negative declaration document had been prepared in compliance with CEQA regulations. Staff emphasized that the project would not adversely affect the health, safety, or welfare of the surrounding community, and recommended approval of the various entitlements necessary for the project to proceed.

In conclusion, the council is poised to make a decision on the proposed battery energy storage system, which promises to enhance local energy infrastructure while providing economic benefits to the community. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential approval of the project in upcoming meetings.