Despite pushback, Snoqualmie-area lithium battery storage proposal moving forward – KOMO
SNOQUALMIE, Wash. — A proposed large-scale battery storage project near Snoqualmie Ridge is moving forward, drawing renewed concern from nearby residents.
People who live in the area said they have had little say in a development they worry could pose safety risks.
Texas-based Jupiter Power is seeking to build a lithium-ion battery energy storage system on 45 acres of land next to Snoqualmie Ridge. The project would use containers to store surplus electricity — often generated from renewable sources such as solar and wind — and then send that energy back into the power grid.
RELATED | Residents question Snoqualmie-area lithium battery storage project as evaluation begins
Some residents, however, are raising concerns about safety, including the potential for lithium-ion battery fires, and about what they describe as limited public input.
“It’s on unincorporated land, so (it) clears the way for these firms to come in and put these battery storage facilities without approval from the residents,” said Snoqualmie resident Matt Gummel.
Jupiter Power said safety is a key focus for the project.
“For a project to be successful, we need it to be a safe project to operate,” said Hans Detweiler, development director for Jupiter Power.
As far as a timeline for the project, Jupiter Power submitted an initial permit application that was ultimately withdrawn.
This time around, the company is submitting a revised proposal, which is also raising concerns among residents.
Last month, the company was in town to answer questions from neighbors.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION (29)
King County will review the proposal and ultimately decide whether to approve or deny it. On Monday, the county is expected to officially receive the application, which will then be reviewed through the county’s permitting process.
