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Frequently Asked Questions

  • The BESS project's purpose is grid stabilization and renewables integration (not backup power), and it is needed to meet capacity requirements in the MISO grid.

  • Yes, the local community will directly benefit through improved power reliability and lower electricity costs as a result of additional supply.

  • New Leaf Energy is the developer of the project to the point that the project will be “shovel-ready.” The long-term owner of the project, which will likely be a utility (e.g., Xcel or Great River Energy), will build and operate the system, and their returns are ultimately regulated by the MN PUC.

  • An Emergency Response Plan will be developed before project operation in coordination with the local fire agencies as a requirement of the state permitting process overseen by the MN PUC. The ERP will incorporate a detailed plan for emergency notifications, point of contacts for the facilities, evacuation procedures (if necessary), and shelter-in-place protocols (if necessary).

  • This will be established in the Emergency Response Plan developed before project operation, in coordination with local fire agencies.

  • The largest BESS that New Leaf Energy has developed and successfully transferred to a long-term asset owner (Invenergy) is 200MW. See Invenergy's website for information on their portfolio of operating BESS.

  • No fire incidents or safety violations have occurred from New Leaf Energy developed projects. The battery storage containers have several safety features, including voltage, temperature, gas, and smoke sensors throughout the battery storage containers, as well as automatic shut-down if these sensors detect conditions above threshold. The project will be subject to the latest codes and standards regulating battery storage safety, including NFPA 855 (installation safety), local, state and federal electric codes, and battery safety certifications such as UL 9540 (system-level safety), UL 9540A (fire safety testing), UL 1973 (battery modules/racks), and IEC 62619 (global safety).

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  • To minimize visual impact, the current plan includes a fence or masonry wall, approximately 10 feet high, around the facility, which is higher than any battery containers, along with vegetation screening.

  • Yes, a landscaping plan and screening plan are being developed.

  • Lighting is required by electrical code and the project will feature motion-activated lighting that is hooded and directed downward. During normal operations, there will be no nighttime lighting.

  • Nationally, there is no data indicating that property values are negatively impacted by the siting of a battery project in or near communities.

  • Nationally, there is no data indicating an impact on insurance premiums.

  • The project will carry liability insurance and will likely be owned by a utility, so it will be insured and covered similarly to all other electrical infrastructure maintained by that utility.

  • The facility will be decommissioned, removed, and the site will be restored to its original condition. As part of the MN PUC permitting process, a decommissioning plan and narrative will be submitted.

  • The project will be responsible for removal/decommissioning and site restoration.

  • The project will have financial assurances in the form of bond/escrow that meet the MN PUC requirements.

  • This project is in the pre-application phase of the permitting process. Therefore site plans and safety/environmental reports are in the process of being developed and finalized. The project will proceed through the MN PUC permitting process. A link to their website, which includes other projects and information on the process, can be found here. Once New Leaf submit, the site plans and reports/studies will become public and there will be opportunities for public comment. The state will ultimately issue or deny the permit, and will oversee compliance.

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