The Ripon Planning Commission recently approved a one-year extension on the Noosa Energy Battery Storage Project.

This is the same project that was first approved in 2021. Noosa did receive a 12-month extension from the initial Conditional Use Permit per Ripon Municipal Code.

Not much has changed on the proposed Ripon Battery Energy Storage System project – known as the Ripon Reliability BESS Project – at 1302 Frontage Road, according to Justin Amirault.

He’s the Chief Development Office for Engie North America, which is a global energy storage company and the parent company to Noosa.

Amirault indicated that Engie actively engages across the energy value chain, with a focus on utility-scale projects in Texas and California. “Safety is our No. 1 goal,” he said.

As for the delays on this project, Amirault, who was accompanied at the Aug. 19 meeting with several members of the Engie development team, mentioned that included factors such as the global pandemic impacting the supply chain.

Since 2020, he said that energy storage projects have seen significant growth in California, with Engie playing a leading role.

The Ripon BESS Project will utilize Tesla Megapack 2XL technology and is strategically positioned to address energy needs.

Amirault added that the project has made progress in site preparation with the removal of the almond orchard along with clearing of the area.

“This project will have economic and community benefits,” he said, pointing out the possibility of financial benefits to Ripon via significant property and sales tax revenues.

The battery energy storage complex would consist of Tesla mega battery packs on the 4.9-acre triangle parcel, bordering on Santos Avenue (north), the Frontage Road (east), and Highway 99 near the Flying J Travel Plaza.

Much of the safety issues were covered and put to rest during the session, with Brandi LoForti, Field Representative for Assemblyman Heath Flora, and Sarah Orgill of the North California Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association both expressing support for the project.

“The project will cut carbon emissions, increase energy reliability for San Joaquin County residents, create new jobs, and generate local revenue,” said LoForti.

In addition, Chief Eric DeHart of the Ripon Consolidated Fire District – he was briefed by predecessor Dennis Bitters on the project in April – contacted fire professionals in Monterey County (Moss Landing) and Santa Barbara County (Goleta) with similar projects on safety measures.

He also reviewed project documents and spoke with Tesla representatives.

“The City of Ripon had implemented safety measures beyond those required by other agencies,” said DeHart, who came out feeling comfortable about the project.