Beacon Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES)
Summary
SCH Number
2026090325
Public Agency
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
Document Title
Beacon Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES)
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
9/9/2026
Document Description
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) proposes to develop the Beacon Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) Project on LADWP-owned property in Mojave, California, adjacent to the existing Beacon 230-kilovolt (kV) Switchyard. The Project consists of constructing a 50-megawatt (MW) standalone Vanadium Redox Flow Battery (VRFB) energy storage facility with a 5-hour discharge duration to enhance grid reliability and support renewable energy integration. Construction would occur within an approximately 12.15-acre project footprint and include a temporary 5-acre laydown area. Major Project components include installation of approximately 312 modular battery containers, associated electrical infrastructure, substation expansion, and interconnection upgrades to the existing switchyard. Construction activities would include installation of approximately 4,500 linear feet of underground conduits, construction of approximately 75,000 square feet of concrete foundations, and installation of eight new 34.5-kV tie-line poles and one new 12-kV interconnection pole. Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2027, and temporary construction disturbance areas would be restored following completion of construction.
Contact Information
Name
Kathryn Laudeman
Agency Name
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
Job Title
Environmental Engineering Associate
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Mojave
Counties
Kern
Regions
Citywide, Southern California
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1; Section 15301
Reasons for Exemption
These exemptions consist of the operation, repair, maintenance, replacement, reconstruction, and construction of existing and new small facilities, structures, equipment, and accessory structures. The Project involves the development of a long-duration energy storage facility, including battery storage systems, electrical equipment, and associated improvements within an existing LADWP utility complex.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 2; Section 15302
Reasons for Exemption
These exemptions consist of the operation, repair, maintenance, replacement, reconstruction, and construction of existing and new small facilities, structures, equipment, and accessory structures. The Project involves the development of a long-duration energy storage facility, including battery storage systems, electrical equipment, and associated improvements within an existing LADWP utility complex.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 3; Section 15303
Reasons for Exemption
These exemptions consist of the operation, repair, maintenance, replacement, reconstruction, and construction of existing and new small facilities, structures, equipment, and accessory structures. The Project involves the development of a long-duration energy storage facility, including battery storage systems, electrical equipment, and associated improvements within an existing LADWP utility complex.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 11; Section 15311
Reasons for Exemption
These exemptions consist of the operation, repair, maintenance, replacement, reconstruction, and construction of existing and new small facilities, structures, equipment, and accessory structures. The Project involves the development of a long-duration energy storage facility, including battery storage systems, electrical equipment, and associated improvements within an existing LADWP utility complex.
County Clerk
Kern
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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