QUINCY, MI (WTVB) – The Quincy Joint Planning Commission has recommended a new ordinance that would restrict utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) exclusively to industrial zones.
The recommendation aims to establish local control over these facilities following months of public concern regarding a 180-megawatt project proposed by EDF Renewables on Boone Road.
By designating industrial areas as the only permitted locations, the commission seeks to protect agricultural and residential lands from potential industrial hazards, such as battery fires and groundwater contamination.
The proposed regulations also include strict operational requirements, such as significant setbacks from property lines and substantial liability insurance mandates for developers.
Planning officials emphasized that these measures are intended to be as restrictive as possible while still complying with Michigan’s Public Act 233, which prevents local governments from entirely banning renewable energy projects.
The drafted ordinance will now move to the Quincy Township and Village boards for final consideration and potential adoption into the local zoning code.
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