The Emmons County Commission held a public hearing on August 5, 2025, to discuss a significant energy project involving the installation of a battery energy storage system. The project aims to enhance local energy infrastructure while minimizing the need for additional visible structures in the area.

During the meeting, project representatives outlined plans to incrementally add 186 batteries and 62 inverters, utilizing existing infrastructure to connect to the local energy grid. This approach is designed to avoid the construction of new transmission lines or substations, which could disrupt the landscape. The project will incorporate underground collection lines to connect the battery system to an existing substation, ensuring a seamless integration into the current energy framework.

The layout of the project was also presented, highlighting compliance with local and state regulations regarding setbacks, easements, and road access. The representatives assured attendees that the project adheres to sound regulations based on North Dakota's wind energy standards, which require noise levels to remain below 45 decibels at 100 feet from occupied residences. A third-party consultant conducted a sound analysis, confirming that the project would meet these requirements.

Safety was a key focus of the discussion, with project representatives detailing adherence to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes and the International Fire Code. They emphasized the implementation of advanced safety measures, including a thermal runaway prevention device designed to detect potential hazards and shut down the system before any alarms are triggered.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the growing importance of energy storage in the United States, noting a significant increase in deployed energy storage capacity over recent years. The project aims to contribute to this trend while ensuring safety and compliance with existing regulations. The commission will continue to monitor the project's progress and its impact on the community.