What will the project look like?

The project is located at the center of the property to ensure adequate setbacks from adjacent properties and that the project will not be seen nor heard. The project will look like a large electrical substation with battery enclosures that look like a trucking container. There will be no transmission lines nor transmission towers built. In addition to the battery enclosures, the project will also include equipment similar to what you would find in a substation: inverters, transformers, electric wires and poles, small buildings for communications equipment, etc.

Also, there will be climate control equipment integrated into the containers similar to the HVAC systems you would find in a home or business. Surrounding the project there will be fencing or wall for security purposes and whatever additional screenings the County Board Supervisors or Planning Commissioners may require.

How did you choose this location?

The site was selected for its proximity to existing electrical infrastructure, neighboring industrial properties, the fuel pipeline that passes through the property, and increased demand for electricity from the data centers in the state.

Specifically, the Louisa substation and Colonial Pipeline pump station on adjacent parcels make the project fit better into the existing area’s industrial uses. The new data centers being built in Louisa and neighboring counties mean increased demand and fluctuations in demand that could improve the business case for the project.

What considerations are being taken to ensure project safety?

Safety in the design, construction, and operation of energy storage systems is our highest priority. Through code compliance, effective design, operation, and maintenance, battery energy storage systems are safe. The risk of thermal runaway and subsequent fire is extremely low. These types of low-risk activities are familiar in our everyday lives, such as heating our houses with natural gas or driving a car.

Each battery enclosure is controlled and monitored 24/7/365, allowing the facility to be closely managed and safely operated. Each enclosure is equipped with an integrated system of sensors, alarms, and fire detection and suppression systems. The operational management systems will be designed, installed, and operated according to applicable national and local fire code standards and regulations, which include energy storage-specific regulations.

Additionally, we will continue to have regular contact with local fire departments to facilitate coordination and training opportunities to ensure first responders are adequately trained & connected to industry experts to handle any system incidents or safety concerns.

Is it safe to live next door to a battery?

Yes. Many of us sleep with lithium-ion batteries right next to us (cell phones and laptops) or parked in our garage (electric vehicles). Energy storage projects are regularly built and operated in urban areas around the US and across the world, with very high safety records.

How does it work?

We use energy storage all of the time in our everyday lives. The same battery technologies that power your phone, computer, and other electronic devices are smaller versions of the battery energy storage systems connected to our electrical grid. Energy storage systems charge and store electricity when it is least expensive and/or when there is a surplus on the grid so that it can be used when electricity is most needed due to high costs and/or limited supply.

How does it benefit the electrical grid?

Energy storage projects are vital to ensure grid reliability and resiliency, especially as we see increases in the number of intermittent generators such as solar and wind on the electrical grid. They can assist in more efficiently using utility resources by expanding their capability to meet peak demand. Additionally, during periods of grid stress, these energy storage systems can provide valuable extended operating power.

When installed along existing transmission lines, a battery energy storage system can help regulate the transmission of large quantities of electricity and ensure the reliability and stability of the line are maintained in times of stress. Systems of this type can also be used as an alternative to new transmission lines when electrical congestion becomes a concern for the surrounding infrastructure. Depending on the location and magnitude of storm impacts, the project could also help reduce the length and number of outages of the supply of electricity to the surrounding region during major storm and tornado events or accelerate the restoration of electricity in the event of an outage.

How long do the batteries last? What happens after that?

We expect this facility to be in operation for at least 20 years, though the energy system’s useful life can vary based on use, maintenance, and augmentation activities.

The project will follow decommissioning requirements established through the relevant national/international operation codes and county ordinances, which will safely remove all equipment from the site and transport component parts to the appropriate recycling or waste management facilities at the end of the project life.

What are some projects East Point has developed?

Our energy centers use proven technology, such as lithium-ion batteries, which have been successfully deployed throughout the United States. The US has hundreds of operational grid-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) projects totaling thousands of megawatts (MWs) of capacity.

Virginia specifically has 110+ MWs of grid-scale BESS projects either in operation or under construction in 2023 across 9+ project sites. Many more energy storage projects are scheduled to reach commercial operation in the coming years as Virginia electric utilities work towards the targeted 3,100 MW of energy storage by 2035.

Examples of East Point Energy projects:

  • Brokenburg (2MW) developed by East Point, owned by Rappahanock Electric Cooperative in Spotsylvania County, VA
  • Dry Bridge BESS (20 MW) developed by East Point, owned by Dominion Energy in Chesterfield County, VA
  • Sunset Ridge Energy Center (10 MW) owned by East Point Energy in Frio, TX
  • Reid, Railroad, and Evergreen Energy Centers being constructed currently in Prince William and Loudoun Counties (80MW total) to be completed in 2026
  • (Under Construction) Citrus Flatts Energy Center (100 MW) owned by East Point Energy in Harlingen, TX
Where can I go if I want to learn more about Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)?

Please see below for a list of additional resources if you want to learn more about BESS.

Click the individual items to open the resources.