Anheuser-Busch Solar Microgrid Project

Summary

SCH Number
2020040141
Public Agency
California Energy Commission
Document Title
Anheuser-Busch Solar Microgrid Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
4/14/2020
Document Description
The purpose of this project is to design, install and operate a microgrid system that reduces electricity consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at the existing Anheuser-Busch brewery located on a fully developed 95-acre property in the Van Nuys neighborhood in the city of Los Angeles, California. The microgrid consists of 4 megawatts (MW) of roof mounted solar photovoltaic arrays on five buildings, and a 1.8 MW lithium-ion battery energy storage system (BESS). The BESS provides up to 2.3 hours of islanded, off-grid operation, with 4.14 megawatt-hours of battery storage. To maximize technical efficiencies, the ground mounted BESS will be installed in a consolidated or distributed location totaling approximately 8,600 square feet on existing paved parking areas within the interior of the property. The solar array alone is expected to generate approximately 7.5% of the facility’s annual electrical consumption. Additionally, the BESS will be used to store cleaner, daytime electrical energy, for eventual night-time use and will be designed to operate critical loads during extended utility interruptions. When used in tandem with the solar array for peak shaving, and load demand management, the system results in a 23 percent reduction in GHG emissions. The Los Angeles Department of City Planning has determined that the project is an allowable modification to the existing food production–brewery facility use and does not require approval of a discretionary permit by their local agency. The project is consistent with the California Energy Commission’s mission of leading the state to a 100 percent clean energy future.

Contact Information

Name
Kaycee Chang
Agency Name
California Energy Commission
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency

Name
Agency Name
Anheuser-Busch, LLC
Contact Types
Project Applicant

Location

Cities
Van Nuys
Counties
Los Angeles
Cross Streets
15800 Roscoe Blvd

Notice of Exemption

Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15301
Reasons for Exemption
This project will involve the installation of a ground mounted BESS within the interior of the fully developed 95- acre property in the city of Los Angeles. The project has been deemed an allowed modification to the existing food production–brewery facility by the Los Angeles Department of City Planning. The BESS will be used to store cleaner, daytime electrical energy, for eventual night-time use at the existing facility and will be designed to operate critical loads during extended utility interruptions. When used in tandem with the solar array for peak shaving, and load demand management, the system is expected to result in a 23 percent reduction in GHG emissions. The project will not involve the removal of trees. The BESS installation will be a minor alteration to existing paved areas within the interior of the property, with no expansion beyond the existing brewery operation and will not have a significant adverse effect on the environment. The project will not result in a significant cumulative impact, damage resources within a scenic highway, cause substantial adverse change to the significance of a historical resource, or be located on a listed hazardous waste site. Therefore, the project falls under the categorical exemption listed in California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 15301.

Exempt Status
Statutory Exemption
Type, Section or Code
PRC § 21080.35
Reasons for Exemption
This project will involve the installation of solar energy systems on the roofs of five existing buildings and pursuant to Public Resources Code section 21080.35 is exempt from CEQA. The installation of the solar photovoltaic panels will enable the generation of energy for onsite use at a food production–brewery facility in the city of Los Angeles. Associated equipment will not occupy more than 500 square feet of ground surface and will be located on the same parcel as the solar panels. The project does not involve a federal Clean Water Act permit; streambed alteration permit; or removal of specific required or native trees. For the reasons, this project is statutorily exempt from CEQA under Pub. Res. Code § 21080.35.

Attachments

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