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Planning commission seeks more information on battery storage and data centers, votes to arrange site visits
Summary
Commissioners flagged battery energy storage systems and data centers as emerging issues, discussed water use, fire‑safety and siting concerns and voted unanimously to ask staff to arrange site visits and consultations with local officials.
At its July meeting, the Southampton County Planning Commission opened a countywide discussion about battery energy storage systems and data centers and unanimously approved a motion to arrange site visits so commissioners can evaluate benefits and impacts firsthand.
The chair warned the commission to prepare for potential proposals, saying, “we better get ready for what may be coming at us.” Staff explained the county’s current industrial zoning contains a brief section for data centers (generally 30 acres or more) but noted the ordinance contains no explicit language for battery energy storage systems, so determinations would likely be handled as conditional uses until the county adopts specific regulations.
Commissioners raised several concrete concerns: potential high water and electricity demand for large facilities, noise and size impacts near residential areas, and fire‑safety risks tied to thermal runaway in lithium battery systems. One commissioner referenced immersion‑cooling systems that can reduce outdoor water use, noting research showing the technology can reduce reliance on cooling towers. Staff also cited national fire code thresholds that trigger additional safety standards for installations above certain size/voltage thresholds.
A commissioner moved that staff contact nearby counties and facility operators, arrange site visits for the planning commission and meet local officials to learn from their experience; the chair seconded the motion and the commission voted in favor. Staff was asked to compile ordinance examples from nearby localities (Surry County and others), consult the county attorney about enforceable provisions and report back at future meetings.
Why it matters: Commissioners said battery storage and data centers could present both economic opportunities and infrastructure demands (water, power, emergency planning). The commission signaled a preference for drafting clear, site‑specific conditions—potentially via conditional‑use authority—before permitting large utility‑scale installations.
What’s next: Staff will research model ordinances, identify nearby facilities for visits and coordinate with county attorneys and local officials; the commission set a follow‑up timeline tied to future meeting packets.
