What is the benefit of having battery storage on the grid?

Large scale battery storage systems like the Barrel Cactus facility benefit the local electrical grid by providing resiliency and flexibility from a non-emitting capacity resource. Continued population and load growth as well as integrating variable energy will require balancing resources like the Barrel Cactus facility that can quickly adapt to evolving grid conditions.

How did you choose the project location for Barrel Cactus?

The Plus Power team considered a variety of siting criteria, including but not limited to grid compatibility, land use designations, cultural resources, topography, and proximity to critical utility infrastructure. Barrel Cactus’ location met the optimal criteria across all categories. 

What prompted Plus Power to propose Barrel Cactus?

The Barrel Cactus facility is ideally situated to provide energy, capacity, and grid services in a region with growing local energy demand and abundant but variable renewable energy resources. 

How long will the batteries last? What will happen to them after that? 

The Barrel Cactus project will have a lifespan of at least 20 years. Barrel Cactus Energy Storage will be augmented within the existing project layout with supplemental battery storage units to maintain expected performance. At the end of the project’s operating life, the battery system will be removed, and the land will be restored to pre-existing conditions. Because the battery components contain valuable minerals and technology, the components will be used for recycling and salvage value.

Are there environmental, cultural, or archaeological features that could be disturbed on the Barrel Cactus project site? 

Plus Power is developing the Barrel Cactus facility on property that has no known cultural or archaeological features within its footprint. However, the project team will conduct a thorough review. Any sites found during ground surveys will require investigation and coordination with the State Historic Preservation Office to protect resources of local significance.  

What considerations are being taken to ensure the safety of the project?  

Safety is paramount to Plus Power and the Barrel Cactus facility. Several measures are being taken to ensure reliable and safe operation of the system. The Barrel Cactus facility will utilize best-in-class technology, building off decades of global use and application. The battery and system will be held to the National Fire Protection Association 855 national standard and other related grid infrastructure codes and standards. In addition, the system will utilize a variety of thermal management systems, as well as remote monitoring strategies, to maintain system stability. The local fire departments will be fully engaged in design discussions through the process of creating a dedicated Emergency Response Plan for the project, and the Plus Power team will ensure there is significant collaboration and training with first responders to guarantee proper techniques are used in the unlikely event of an emergency.

Will Barrel Cactus be able to withstand a natural disaster?  

The facility will be designed per American Society for Testing and Materials standards to ensure foundations and infrastructure are designed in accordance with local requirements.

Will the Barrel Cactus facility impact my views?  

The facility is ideally situated in an area already developed with existing public utility uses, away from residential areas. As such, the impact on local views will be very limited.