Description
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are key to integrating renewable energy sources into the grid and managing peak power demand. King County will work with utility partners and King County cities, including those that currently have prohibitions on BESS construction, and engage communities to seek to identify areas most suitable for BESS facility siting. The analysis will identify areas with high potential for BESS, focusing on proximity to electrical substations, equity impacts, resource lands considerations, best practices for fire and safety risk assessment and mitigation, and minimizing land-use conflicts. The siting analysis will help the County and local jurisdictions meet or exceed a target to have 100 MW of energy storage per utility serving King County by 2030 and 200 MW per utility by 2045 by designating priority areas for BESS facilities, reducing conflicts, and streamlining permitting. The designations can also provide upfront information to expedite project reviews and may inform future County code updates. As part of the siting analysis, King County will update the countywide BESS target informed by the siting analysis and upcoming utility resource planning.