JACKSON, Mich. (WLNS) — A plan to construct a large battery storage web site in Summit Township is charging up plenty of concern within the space, with residents saying the challenge might deliver extra danger than reward.
“First and foremost, it’s the great unknown,” mentioned Springmill subdivision resident Ted Wray, who has lived within the space for greater than twenty years.
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He says he is frightened the proposed new battery storage web site will trigger soil contamination, decrease property values, and lift general noise ranges. Wray says he has acquired dozens of signatures from residents protesting the proposal.
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“We’re concerned over the proximity to residential dwellings, there’s 100 dwellings within half mile of this site, there’s probably 200 within a mile,” Wray mentioned.
“What I would like is for them to be denied the conditional use permit. Which [means] Summit Township is denying the permit that AYPA power has requested.”
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Zoning officers heard a presentation from Austin, TX vitality developer Aypa Energy, the corporate behind the proposal, at a gathering Thursday. Township Supervisor John Griffin says talks have been ongoing with Aypa a couple of new vitality plan since January.
“It’s part of a national energy strategy to have battery storage so the generation can be more balanced. Power needs go up and down. And if you can store it for a while, you don’t have to fire up a whole new plant,” Griffin mentioned.
Griffin factors to utilizing native property over statewide grants to additional enhance renewable vitality efforts in Jackson.
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“We’re pursuing the local route now and there’s more benefits for the local community financially as well if they are the ones who issue the permit,” Griffin mentioned.
Griffin says whereas residents had an opportunity to ask questions and voice issues at Tuesday’s assembly, the ultimate say is within the fingers of the township board.
