Ware County considers zoning definition for utility-scale energy storage; residents ask about lithium batteries and fire safety

Ware County planning staff on Nov. 13 proposed a technical amendment to the county zoning resolution to define “utility-scale energy storage” and permit it as a conditional use in agricultural/forestry (A-1) and General Industrial (GI) districts.

Planning staff explained these facilities are large battery installations, often co-located with solar farms, that store unused electrical generation and can sell it back to utilities when needed. Staff described the sites as clusters of batteries housed in buildings that require ventilation and noise mitigation, comparing their operation to other commercial energy operations.

Several residents asked whether the systems use lithium batteries and raised public-safety concerns. Kelly Thrift asked, “Is this lithium batteries?” Staff responded that the specific battery chemistry was not yet known and that plan reviews would involve consultation with the fire department, saying plans would be reviewed with fire officials when formal applications are submitted.

Commissioners discussed setbacks and siting rules; staff noted a proposed 1,000-foot distance from existing residential structures for these installations and that the county will treat them as conditional uses requiring site approval and a public hearing. Staff also said there were currently no formal applications and that the amendment was intended to provide definitions and permitting paths ahead of potential proposals.

The item was carried forward for further consideration.