Question 1

What is a battery energy storage system (BESS)?

Accepted Answer

Utility-scale, battery energy storage systems are large banks of batteries connected to the electric grid. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) add greater reliability and resilience to the electrical grid. During times of peak energy generation, such as when power from solar or wind is in abundance, batteries can be charged to capture excess generation. Batteries can then discharge this stored generation into the grid during times of peak energy demand.

Question 2

How do battery energy storage systems work?

Accepted Answer

A battery energy storage system facility is designed to store power from the power grid (charge) when there is an excess of power being produced and release power back to the power grid (discharge) when there is a shortage of power being produced.

Question 3

Are there fire safety risks?

Accepted Answer

Advancements in technology, operations and maintenance make BESS a safe energy solution. Across the U.S., more than 35,000 MW of battery storage is installed and operating safely every day.

Tenaska’s BESS projects utilize equipment that meets or exceeds all applicable safety codes and standards including those set by the National Fire Protection Association and the International Fire Code.

Sophisticated battery management systems continuously monitor and control project equipment and facilities 24/7, with the ability to shut down equipment on demand.

Question 4

Have you worked with the local fire department?

Accepted Answer

Safety is incredibly important to our team, and we are committed to a project that is safely designed, built, installed and operated.

The Tenaska team has met with the Surgoinsville Fire Chief and will continue working closely with the Fire Department as the project progresses. This collaboration will focus on developing a detailed Emergency Response Plan and to ensure they have training and equipment to respond to a safety incident in the rare instance that one should occur.

Question 5

Will the facility increase traffic?

Accepted Answer

Local roads will experience a minor increase in traffic level due to material deliveries (batteries, transformers and other equipment) during the construction phase. A transportation or road use plan will be provided to local government prior to the start of construction.

After construction, battery energy storage systems create little to no additional traffic and use minimal lighting.

Question 6

Are there noise or air impacts?

Accepted Answer

Battery energy storage systems are quiet when operating. There are little to no moving parts, and the equipment is housed in a custom- built enclosure that muffles sound.

During operation, battery energy storage systems do not emit any toxic odors or air pollution. In fact, installing BESS as part of your community’s electric grid can improve air quality and reduce the need for fossil-fueled sources of electricity generation.

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