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Buchanan County pauses utility-scale battery storage projects while zoning rules are drafted
Summary
Supervisors adopted a moratorium through Dec. 31, 2026, on utility-scale battery energy storage systems to allow planners to craft ordinances covering setbacks, decommissioning, liability and fire protection.
Buchanan County supervisors voted on Dec. 22 to place a moratorium on utility-scale battery energy storage systems through Dec. 31, 2026, saying the pause gives the planning and zoning commission time to draft regulations addressing setbacks, fire-protection standards and decommissioning requirements.
The resolution defines utility-scale battery energy storage systems and lists technologies such as lithium-ion and sodium-sulfur batteries as examples. Supervisors discussed including liability insurance, bonding for abandonment and closure, and whether to draw on national fire-protection standards. One member noted planning and zoning will examine models used in other states.
"We're going to do what we need to do to protect the county," a supervisor said, while another asked for clear definitions of "utility-scale" and "large-scale." The resolution becomes effective immediately upon adoption and remains in force until the end of 2026 unless the board rescinds it earlier or an ordinance is adopted sooner.
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