Vacaville Planning Commission Recommends Draft Battery Energy Storage System Ordinance
The Vacaville Planning Commission unanimously recommended a draft Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) ordinance for adoption by the Vacaville City Council. The ordinance aims to establish standards for BESS projects, incorporating insights from the city's energy consulting firm, Larsen and Toubro, which identified non-flammable Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries as an alternative to conventional Lithium-Ion technologies.
The ordinance increases the buffer zone from 300 to 500 feet for sensitive uses; only the Gibson Canyon Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant remains suitable under these new regulations. The council previously rejected a proposed project from Menard Energy in 2023 due to proximity concerns. Public support for the ordinance emphasizes safety and innovation, while calls for further outreach and engagement with organizations regarding BESS are ongoing.
