Proposed Mill Stone battery energy storage system in Chesapeake nears vote from city leaders

East Point Energy is proposing the Mill Stone Energy Center, a battery energy storage system in Chesapeake, Virginia's Hickory area. The project, which has been under development for two years, is scheduled for a critical vote by the Chesapeake Planning Commission on June 10, with a potential City Council vote on July 21 if recommended for approval.

Elisha Kiser, Senior Project Developer, and Cat Chapman, Manager of Community Engagement for East Point Energy, explained that the system would store power during off-peak hours and return it to the PJM regional transmission grid during high demand to stabilize supply and potentially lower prices. The facility would be built on 112 acres, disturbing only 30, with a commitment to preserve the remaining land and, notably, prohibit any data center development on the property as a condition of the permit.

This commitment aims to alleviate public confusion between energy storage systems and data centers, particularly since a previous data center proposal in a nearby location was not approved. Jeff Staples, a Chesapeake resident with environmental experience, expressed support for the project, citing its zero emissions, small footprint, and its use of energy from offshore wind projects. He also noted the project's minimal impact on wildlife habitats.

Developers addressed community concerns, including the risk of battery fires, stating that such incidents are rare and that extensive dialogue has occurred with the Chesapeake Fire Department. Kiser also mentioned that the project has cleared several regulatory hurdles, including reviews from the Department of Environmental Quality, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and SHPO, with further permitting processes ahead. If approved by both city bodies, construction is projected to begin around 2030, with operations by 2031.