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Ennis commission repeals special‑use permit for proposed GladPath battery storage project near Bardwell Lake
Summary
After a staff presentation citing plan deficiencies and risks to Bardwell Lake, the Ennis City Commission voted to repeal a 2021 special‑use permit for a proposed 50 MW battery energy storage system; staff noted the applicant did not submit required revised plans and no construction commenced within the permit period.
The Ennis City Commission on April 21 voted to repeal the city’s special‑use permit for a proposed GladPath 50‑megawatt battery energy storage facility after staff reported the developer had not met permit commencement requirements and that submitted civil plans left unresolved stormwater, drainage and fire‑response concerns.
Diane Ortiz, assistant city manager, summarized the project history and staff review. She told the commission the SUP had been approved in late 2021 but that the applicant did not commence construction within the one‑year period specified by ordinance. A preliminary plat was not filed until June 2024, and a civil plan review submitted in June 2025 contained multiple deficiencies that had not been addressed.
Ortiz highlighted safety and environmental concerns raised during technical review and in studies the applicant submitted for the Planning & Zoning Commission. She said the proposed site drains southeast to a tributary of Bardwell Lake, ‘‘the city’s primary drinking water source,’’ and summarized outside case studies in which battery fires produced prolonged flare‑ups and plume effects. Ortiz said the developer’s materials lacked a comprehensive soil and water management plan and that staff remained concerned about the absence of an on‑site water supply to support fire‑response tactics described in industry reports.
No applicant representative was present to respond during the public hearing, and a handful of protest notices were received. Commissioners discussed the option of relocation but emphasized the need to protect the city’s water supply. After debate, a motion to repeal the special‑use permit carried.
City staff said GladPath remains free to pursue alternative sites; any new proposal would require the standard development review and a new SUP process.
