Proposed Lithium Battery Storage Facility in DeSoto Sparks Debate

A lithium battery storage facility could soon call DeSoto its home, but the proposed location has many residents in an uproar.

The Emerald Hill Energy Storage project is designed to store 250 megawatts of energy and is proposed to be located in DeSoto.

If approved, the proposal will place a lithium-ion energy storage facility near DeSoto High School and neighboring residential areas.

“This project would be located at southwest Westmoreland Rd. and Eagle Drive, it would be across the street from the high school,” said Alex Rohr, Manager of Community Affairs for Vesper Energy.  

“The reason that we’re in that area is because of that very large transmission line running through the area. We want to be close to that and that is generally what’s best to support grid reliability.”

Rohr spoke with The DeSoto Tribune and further explained that they also look at where there is available land, market demand, and proximity to major electrical infrastructure.

Safety Concerns:

As discussions surrounding the facility’s location continue, safety remains a top priority and concern for residents in the area and the city.

Lithium-ion Batteries can experience a Thermal Runaway Event, a phenomenon in which the lithium-ion cell enters an uncontrollable, self-heating state, according to the Underwriters Laboratories Research Institute (UL Research Institute).

It refers to a self-sustaining, exothermic reaction within a battery that leads to a rapid increase in temperature and pressure which can result in a battery emitting toxic gasses, catching fire, or even exploding, according to Pyrophobic.com.

Storage for the lithium-ion batteries will be housed in special containers that must meet strict safety regulations, tests, and standards, including UL9540, UL 9540A, and NFPA 855.

The facility will also consist of a buffer, tree coverage, and a brick façade.

“We are planning a 50-foot-deep vegetative buffer along the northern boundary as well as a 25-foot-deep vegetative buffer on the eastern boundary,” said Rohr.

“Both would maintain and enhance the existing tree coverage along each border. There would also be a 6-8 foot brick façade around the battery storage containers,” explained Rohr.

Rohr went on to explain that the property would also maintain the existing walking path through the area and construct a sidewalk on the eastern boundary to help meet DeSoto’s goals of a more walkable community.

Community Outreach and Opposition:

The Irving-based company Vesper Energy has not yet submitted an application to the city but has been conducting community outreach to gauge public interest.

A petition opposing the proposed facility has garnered nearly 400 signatures.

Many residents took to social media as well as commenting on the petition itself to voice their concerns over the proposed project.

“For safety reasons backed by emotional reasons. I don’t want to put my family’s lives, health or home at risk for the profit of a group of private equity investors. From an emotional standpoint I feel that our community was chosen as the desired location because we are people of color and its natural and easy for the privileged to feel empowered and entitled to try and execute these types of plans. It’s 2024 and we need to say to say NO to this to prove that we DO have a voice,” said Janet Quintero.

Another user, Tim Wilkins commented “The proposed storage facility is too close to homes and to Desoto High School. It poses an environmental and health threat to our entire area.”

Ongoing Debate:

The proposed Emerald Hill Energy Storage project in DeSoto has sparked significant debate within the community.

While Vesper Energy highlights the strategic location and adherence to stringent safety standards as key benefits, many residents remain concerned about potential risks and the proximity of the facility to homes and DeSoto High School.

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