Proposed lithium-ion battery storage project in Goochland County draws early opposition as review begins

Goochland County staff told the Economic Development Authority on Feb. 25 that a large lithium-ion battery storage facility has submitted a conditional-use-permit application and that staff is evaluating potential tax and revenue options while preparing for public outreach.

"They've submitted an application for conditional use permit… it's in the public forum now," the economic director said, noting the applicant will meet with community development staff and hold a community meeting as part of the review.

Several authority members voiced concern about safety and nearby homes. "A lithium ion battery, very large facility... I don't know how many megawatts," the chair said, adding that fires at some facilities have burned for extended periods and that residents near a 230-kV transmission line could be uneasy about locating a storage site close to high-value homes. Staff said the probability of incident across all storage facilities is low but acknowledged the risk is greater than zero and that the applicant will need to address fire suppression and potential environmental contaminants during the public process.

Staff outlined potential tax and revenue tools, including taxing equipment as machinery and tools or business personal property, or negotiating a revenue-sharing agreement or direct contributions for impacted services (for example, fire department training or equipment). The county has not adopted a revenue-sharing ordinance and staff said it is analyzing options and will provide a briefing to the Board of Supervisors in a future meeting.

A public process and technical review were described as the next steps; no formal action or vote on the battery project took place at the EDA meeting.

The matter remains subject to the county’s land-use and permitting procedures and further public comment.