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DESRI seeks new CUP for 300‑MW Horned Shadow battery; Planning Commission denies Level 2, asks county review
Summary
DESRI presented a proposal for a 300‑megawatt, 4‑hour battery energy storage system adjacent to the Horned Shadow solar project and asked for a new conditional‑use permit. The Emery County Planning Commission denied the Level 2 application and unanimously recommended the county treat it as a Level 3 review.
DESRI representatives told the Emery County Planning Commission they are applying for a new conditional‑use permit for a 300‑megawatt, 4‑hour lithium‑ion battery energy storage system (BESS) adjoining the operational Horned Shadow solar arrays. "We're looking for 300 megawatts," presenter Emma said during the company overview, describing a containerized system that would deliver about 1,200 megawatt‑hours of dispatchable capacity.
The company said the storage footprint will occupy roughly 15 acres for batteries plus about 21 acres including buried collection route and access roads, and that the proposed site lies east of the existing substation and solar fields. Joel, a DESRI representative, told commissioners the firm expects to begin construction as early as mid‑next year with commercial operations targeted by the end of 2027. On capital cost, the company gave a high‑level estimate: "at a minimum, $250,000,000 in cost," Joel said, adding that final procurement and supplier choices will refine valuation for tax purposes.
Commissioners pressed the company on why a new CUP was needed rather than an amendment. DESRI said the larger battery footprint uses new ground outside the original permitted boundary. Commissioners raised countywide implications — public safety, water for firefighting, decommissioning bonds, and tax treatment — and concluded the proposal’s size and potential county impact warranted escalation. The commission voted to deny the Level 2 CUP application and recommended the county commission treat the proposal as a Level 3 matter and review conditions including emergency response, decommissioning bonding and water supply. The denial and recommendation passed unanimously by the members present.
Next steps: DESRI may revise and resubmit as a Level 3 application to the county commission and county staff will coordinate recommended conditions and a letter summarizing issues discussed at the planning commission meeting.
