Burke County approves NextEra conditional-use permit for battery storage on 15-acre parcel

Burke County commissioners on Monday approved a conditional-use permit for a battery energy storage system proposed by NextEra on Parcel 047-006. Planning staff said the application covers a 15-acre parcel with roughly 4 acres planned for battery equipment and the remainder left for buffers and setbacks.

The Planning Commission had recommended approval with one stipulation: any underground conductors should remain in place unless they are in environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands, streambeds or required buffers. Planning staff told the board the applicants submitted an updated decommissioning plan addressing prior concerns. “They have submitted a new decommissioning plan that addresses all the concerns that the planning commission had,” planning staff said during the hearing.

Commissioner Nicks moved to approve the conditional-use permit; Commissioner Kelly seconded the motion and the board approved the request. The action follows amendments to the county’s zoning ordinance to allow battery energy storage systems.

Supporters told the planning body and commissioners the project includes measures for setbacks and buffers. No public opposition was reported to the Planning Commission, and staff emphasized the application conformed to the revised land-development code.

What happens next: the permit clears the county-level zoning hurdle; any required building permits, utility reviews and state or federal approvals remain separate processes. The county’s planning staff will monitor compliance with the decommissioning plan and the Planning Commission’s stipulation.