Surry County approves conditional use permit for 89‑MW Bear Island battery facility

The Surry County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to approve Conditional Use Permit number 2025‑01 for an 89‑megawatt battery energy storage system proposed by Bear Island Battery Storage LLC.

Planning staff described the project as a containerized battery energy storage system sited on a 32.5‑acre footprint within a 416‑acre Agricultural‑Residential parcel in the Bacon's Castle District. Staff said the site is more than 2,000 feet from the nearest home and that the planning commission recommended approval 10‑0. "For staff, we found that the project mitigates its impacts and benefits economic development in Surry County," the planning presenter said during the hearing.

The applicant emphasized layered safety measures and remote operation. An applicant representative said the system is designed with multiple safety levels and is monitored remotely; the representative said the loudest onsite components are cooling systems and estimated construction would generate about 100–150 vehicle trips during a brief delivery window.

Public commenters raised concerns about continuous noise, potential contamination and long‑term jobs; a Fire and Risk Alliance consultant explained industry testing and response protocols for battery events. After questions from supervisors on noise, cleanup and first‑responder training, the board approved the CUP and moved the project to the site‑plan stage. The board also voted later that evening to approve a separate site‑agreement that sets voluntary payments and tax arrangements for the facility.

The board recorded the vote as carried unanimously. Next steps are site‑plan review, required pre‑construction studies (including a noise study) and the execution of the conditions attached to the CUP and siting agreement.