FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who is Vesper Energy? What other projects has Vesper Energy developed?

Vesper Energy provides innovative solutions to today’s complex energy challenges. Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Vesper Energy is comprised of professionals who have collectively delivered more than 10 GW of renewable energy projects globally. Today, Vesper Energy’s development pipeline includes over 55 renewable energy and energy storage assets with a generating capacity of 17 GW; enough to power more than 2 million homes. Working with their customers, communities, and business partners, Vesper Energy develops, owns, and operates renewable energy projects across the United States with the goal to build a better energy infrastructure. www.vesperenergy.com/about 

Why is Vesper Energy developing Gypsum Peak Energy Storage in Van Buren County?

We pursue projects where we have earned the trust of landowners and here in Van Buren County, our partner is excited to be a part of this project that will provide numerous benefits to their local community. The landowner who entrusts us with their land believes it's the best choice for their property and their family.

What benefits will Gypsum Peak Energy Storage provide for the local area?

This project will create a new, long-term source of funding for the community, including significant benefits for area schools. The project will create jobs in Van Buren County during construction and operations and may hire a variety of vendors and local services. Energy storage helps reduce or avoid price spikes and supply shortfalls for the surrounding area, creating a stronger, more reliable grid. To learn more about energy storage benefits, please head to our Benefits page.

How many jobs are created for a project like Gypsum Peak Energy Storage?

Gypsum Peak Energy Storage is expected to provide approximately 100 construction jobs. Once operational, the facility will also support two long-term maintenance positions.

What will the project look like? Will there be visual screening for the benefit of the residents and property owners adjoining the project?

Gypsum Peak Energy Storage will be on privately owned land, directly next to an electrical substation and a major electrical corridor serving the residents of Van Buren County. Landscape screening will be used to minimize or eliminate visual impact of equipment.

Gypsum Peak Energy Storage is committed to developing a vegetation management plan which adheres to state and local rules. Development of these plans would include consideration of the most appropriate plants for the area.

Do solar panels work on cloudy days and at night?

Solar panels generate the most power in direct sunlight, but they can also produce power using indirect or diffuse sunlight–so they still work on cloudy days, and in fact, rain helps to keep solar panels operating efficiently by keeping them clean!

What happens when the project is decommissioned?

Gypsum Peak Energy Storage is committed to meeting or exceeding all local, state, and federal requirements regarding decommissioning at the end of the project’s lifespan.

How are solar panels disposed of?

The vast majority of solar panels installed in the U.S. are still within their operational lifespans (typically 20-30 years). As such, cost-effective opportunities to recycle solar panels are limited. However, this is an issue the solar industry is working proactively to address, and as more solar panels reach end of life in the coming years, opportunities to recover and recycle the materials in solar panels will expand. Details on panel recycling can be found in the United States Environmental Protection Agency website, at https://www.epa.gov/hw/solar-panel-recycling.

Will local first responders and firefighters need additional training?

It is unlikely that a serious event will happen at the site. Vesper will work closely with the local fire department, during the planning phase of the project, to develop a comprehensive emergency management plan. We will provide training for safety personnel and comply with all fire standards.

Will the solar panels used at the Mystic Springs Renewable Energy project leak hazardous materials?

No. Vesper Energy is committed to only using solar panels that meet or exceed environmental safety standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These standards ensure that during normal operations-as well as in the unlikely event a solar panel is damaged-the panels will not release any substances or materials that are considered hazardous under federal law.

Do solar panels work in the winter?

Yes! Solar panels work well in cold weather. Snow and ice are also generally not an issue–small amounts of snow are usually blown off by the wind, or snow may slide off on its own because the panels are tilted at an angle to capture the maximum amount of sunlight. Both help keep the modules clean throughout the winter season.

Are Li-ion batteries safe?

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are widely used in consumer products, tools and electric vehicles, and well-designed battery energy storage systems (BESS) are safe and reliable. To reduce the risk of fire and ensure the safety of the system, each BESS is equipped with automatic fire suppression equipment, and its own air conditioning or cooling system to ensure it operates within the ideal temperature range. Fires involving BESS can occur, but only in extreme conditions. Vesper Energy will work with local fire departments and emergency responders to ensure they have adequate training and equipment to respond to any safety issues that may arise.

Do Li-ion BESS contain hazardous materials?

The US EPA classifies and determines what qualifies as hazardous waste. Hazardous waste can range from liquids, solids, gases, or sludges and can be discarded commercial products, like cleaning fluids or pesticides, or the by-products of manufacturing processes. Recently, the US EPA released guidance requiring many types of lithium-ion batteries to be disposed of as hazardous waste. Gypsum Peak Energy Storage is committed to following pertinent federal, state, and local disposal and recycling regulations. The high-quality Li-Ion batteries used for Vesper Energy’s BESS projects can be repurposed and reused in other utility-scale battery applications or downcycled and repurposed for other technology such as phones and tools. Each Li-ion battery unit is encased and compartmentalized to prevent any materials from interacting with the surrounding area. Gypsum Peak Energy Storage is committed to following all relevant federal, state, and local regulations regarding environmental safety and will regularly review and update its policies to align with industry best practices.

Can the batteries be recycled?

Widespread adoption of BESS is still relatively new, so recycling opportunities are currently limited. However, the energy storage industry is working to develop recycling opportunities to meet future demand. Another option is to “downcycle” batteries and give them a second life in a different application when their performance falls below thelevel needed for a utility-scale power plant.

Do you want to learn even more about Solar and Energy Storage? Check out our Sources page for more resources.

Address:
125 E John Carpenter Fwy, Suite 525
Irving, TX 75062

Contact:
269-294-0087
info@gypsumpeakenergystorage.com

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