Kern County supports Willow Rock Energy Storage Center with conditional approval

The Kern County Board of Supervisors convened on April 29, 2025, to address several pressing issues, including a significant public concern regarding drainage problems and a proposal for the Willow Rock Energy Storage Center project.

During the meeting, a resident raised concerns about inadequate drainage on their property, which has been exacerbated by a blocked drain installed by a previous landowner. The resident described the challenges faced when heavy rains caused flooding, leading to personal efforts to maintain the drainage system. The county's response indicated that the resident would need to install a sump pump to manage water runoff. The board expressed a willingness to connect the resident with the Public Works Director to explore potential solutions.

In a separate discussion, the board reviewed the Willow Rock Energy Storage Center project, a proposed 500-megawatt facility located north of Dawn Road. This project aims to utilize compressed air energy storage to provide electricity for up to 400,000 homes during peak demand. The facility is expected to take three to four years to construct and will involve significant transportation of materials, raising concerns about road maintenance and emergency response capabilities.

The board emphasized the need for safety measures, including the acquisition of an urban search and rescue vehicle to support emergency services in the area. The project will also require improvements to local roads to accommodate heavy truck traffic during construction. The board voted unanimously to support the project, contingent upon the implementation of these safety and infrastructure measures.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the board's commitment to addressing community concerns while facilitating significant energy projects that promise to enhance local infrastructure and energy reliability. The next steps will involve further discussions with the involved parties to ensure that both public safety and project goals are met.