Iowa Utilities Board signs off on 150 MW Grand Junction solar, battery storage project
Through a new order issued last week, the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) cleared Grand Junction Solar, LLC to proceed with a solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Greene County, Iowa, that could provide a total of 150 MW for use.
According to its application filed in July 2022, Grand Junction Solar – a subsidiary of National Grid Renewables Development, LLC – proposed a facility capable of generating up to 100 MW of solar and 50 MW in battery storage on a space spanning approximately 1,103 acres. IUB granted the company waivers for the project and a certificate of public convenience, use, and necessity.
In the same order, Grand Junction Solar was authorized to waive a public evidentiary hearing and associated procedural requirements normally demanded under Iowa law. This was because all landowners approved and consented to use their land for the proposed project through voluntary easement agreements.
In return, Grand Junction must file an amendment to its certificate if it wishes to increase the total generating capacity or add to its storage facility later. Likewise, it would need approval from IUB before any sales or transfers to other entities.
All of this is, however, contingent on Grand Junction filing final design plans with the IUB and proving it has obtained all city and county permits needed to proceed. Then, it will need to file a status report of its progress every 180 days. If Grand Junction fails to complete the project within two years of the permit issuance date, it must file a new application entirely.
According to the company, the bulk of the land used here will go to housing the solar arrays and associated electric generating equipment. Only four acres will likely be needed for the battery side, another two for the substation, and about one-quarter of an acre for the operations and maintenance building on site. The substation will, in turn, be connected to the larger grid through a generation-tie line.
