The Port of Long Beach (POLB) has released a draft study evaluating a proposed 70-megawatt battery energy storage system (BESS) by Pier S Energy Storage LLC.
The facility would occupy 11,735 m² of land on the Long Beach Power Plant property at 2665 Pier S Lane and aims to enhance the reliability of California’s electric grid as the state transitions to renewable energy, in line with the California Public Utilities Commission’s mandate.
The study being released by POLB is called an Initial Study (IS) and concluded that there would be less than significant impacts on the environment with the incorporation of mitigation measures. Consequently, a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) has been prepared. Public comments on the Draft IS/MND are invited until 4 p.m. on Friday 17 January 2025.
The proposed project includes installing up to 200 metal containers housing lithium-ion battery cells and associated systems, such as direct current (DC) collection, alternating current (AC) auxiliary power, a communications network, fire suppression, a power conversion system, and a new 66-kilovolt (kV) substation, which is expected to manage voltage transformations between the power conversion system and the broader transmission system. The site, owned since 2021 by Generation Bridge, a subsidiary of ArcLight Energy Partners Fund, will also see upgrades to the adjacent Southern California Edison (SCE) Long Beach Bus Substation.
Additionally, the project involves demolishing three buildings and removing parts of abandoned concrete saltwater intake pipes.
To provide an opportunity for public input, POLB will hold two meetings, each providing the same content. An in-person session will take place at 6 p.m. on 8 January 2025, at the Port of Long Beach Administration Building, 1st Floor Multipurpose Room, located at 415 W. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, 90802. A virtual meeting will follow on 9 January 2025, at 6 p.m. via webcast. Both meetings will include a project presentation and an opportunity for comments on the Draft IS/MND and Application Summary Report.
The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners will later hold a public hearing to consider adopting the Final IS/MND and Application Summary Report and to decide on project approval.
