KOKOMO, Ind. — A proposal to build a battery energy storage system in the city of Kokomo is concerning people who live and work in the area.
Spearmint Energy is interested in a parcel of land, near Goyer Road and Lincoln Road.
The plan for the BESS or battery energy storage system would surround the Creative Financial Centre on three sides.
“If you look at where we’re at, this is a great location for residential areas and a great location for businesses,” said President of CFD, Brent Owens.
“In my mind, if this goes in, it really destroys all that.”
Spearmint Energy said the site would store energy from the grid and release it back when it’s needed.
It would also reach Crystal McGraw’s neighborhood.
“I feel like there’s definitely got to be other places out there that’s going to be better equipped for what they’re wanting to do, and it’s going to be farther away from residential and businesses,” she said.
Both CFD and McGraw have worries about the proposed 15-acre Pumpkinvine Battery Storage project.
“We are making our voices heard, because I think the concerns that we have are very legitimate,” said Owens.
The biggest issue they have is the potential to put their health at risk with a facility like this being so close to home.
Spearmint Energy said the lithium batteries they use are found in common technology and are much safer than lead-acid batteries, which are what most people think of.
“As far as I know, there’s never been a member of the public injured by a battery project to date and I think everybody in the industry intends to keep it that way,” said Peter Rood, Chief Development Officer for Spearmint Energy.
Another major concern is if there’s a fire at the site, how it will impact those living nearby.
The energy company said that there are strict codes and standards firefighters have to follow when it comes to responding to these sites.
“Indiana has even gone farther than the national fire code and has established its own state-level safety laws that apply to batteries, and is one of the first states to do so, and so obviously, we’ll be following all those,” said Rood.
The Mayor of Kokomo and Spearmint are both meeting with residents in the area to answer questions they may have.
The next meeting to discuss the potential plans is the planning commission on November 12th.
