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Council amends lease for Old Duwes landfill solar array; members seek more details on battery-safety pilot
Summary
Committee approved an amendment to a lease with the Electric Power Board for a community solar array at the Old Duwes Landfill and authorized a pilot for battery energy storage (BESS). Councilmembers asked the administration to provide public-safety and environmental mitigation analysis before final implementation.
The committee approved resolution 20 26 21 53, amending a lease between Metro and the Electric Power Board to continue operation of a community solar array at the Old Duwes Landfill (801 Duwes Avenue) and to allow a battery energy storage system (BESS) pilot for additional capacity. The amendment was presented as a sustainability-focused pilot that captures solar power for use during peak hours or emergencies.
Councilmember Suarez asked whether the pilot includes an asset-mitigation analysis focused on fire and environmental risks tied to large lithium-ion battery installations; Suarez cited BESS-related fires elsewhere and asked that public-safety staff brief the committee. Administration staff described the pilot as rechargeable batteries that store solar power for later use and said they would seek public-safety review and follow up with council members. The committee approved the resolution by voice vote.
