Birdseye Energy Storage is a 199MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) planned for Adams County. The project will store low-cost electricity from the grid and send it back to the grid when it is needed most such as during times of high demand.

Adding energy storage to the electrical grid makes it more resilient and reliable, and can help facilitate the integration of zero-carbon resources like wind and solar. Energy storage projects also support Colorado’s goal of supplying 100% of electricity sales with zero-carbon resources.
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Energy storage is generally very low-impact because it requires only a small land footprint, its operations has no emissions, requires little water, and causes negligible traffic impacts. Birdseye Energy Storage is not expected to have significant impacts on local residents, the environment, or cultural resources.

The project site is strategically located on the grid to optimize energy delivery, reduce congestion-related price spikes, and deliver cost savings to families and businesses. The site was selected because of the high energy demand in the region, Xcel’s expressed need for new electrical capacity, and the ability to interconnect to the electrical grid in this location. The project is being designed based on a comprehensive review including environmental considerations, local regulations, and design constraints.

The location where the power will enter the grid is a substation owned by Public Service Company of Colorado (Xcel Energy). The energy stored at the site is anticipated to be used by local utility customers and to support the utility and state’s clean energy and sustainability goals.

Decommissioning will be initiated if the entire project has not operated for a period of up to three years, or when the project has surpassed its useful lifespan. To ensure this commitment, the project will obtain, for the benefit of Adams County, a bond from a creditworthy entity in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the estimated net costs to comply with applicable decommissioning and restoration requirements.

The proposed Birdseye Energy Storage is being designed to minimize visual impacts. Neighboring properties will be visually shielded from the project by a combination of setbacks, visual barriers, natural features and native vegetation. In addition, the project will include substantial improvements to the public infrastructure along E. 104th Avenue and McKay Road, including right-of-way widening, sidewalks, streetlights, curb and gutter, and landscaping. As part of the design process, the project has completed a series of visual simulations to further inform the site layout and visual mitigation plans.

Battery projects like the proposed Birdseye Energy Storage do not cause light pollution or otherwise impact dark skies. A limited amount of security lighting near the substation will be shielded, directed downward, and only used during a very limited amount of maintenance activities.

Yes. Safety is fundamental to all parts of the electrical grid, including battery energy storage. Because the project will be connected to the electrical grid, it will be subject to significant oversight and strict safety regulations that are frequently updated. The project will be monitored 24/7 by trained personnel prepared to maintain safety and respond to emergency events in coordination with local emergency responders as necessary. Our projects are equipped with proven monitoring technology and advanced safety design features, like sensors that monitor battery voltage, current, temperatures, and health, to ensure early detection and mitigation of issues.