A proposal for a 15-acre battery storage facility that could be the “largest substation in Illinois” is under consideration in Manhattan Township, a project that could reshape a portion of the area into a major industrial corridor.

Supervisor James ‘Jim’ Walsh announced the project during his report at the March 11 township board meeting. The proposed facility would be located on Kankakee Street, approximately one-half mile north of Pauling Road. The project involves installing large, container-like structures to house lithium batteries for energy storage.

According to Walsh, the facility would serve a purpose similar to the existing Peaker Plant, providing stored power to the electrical grid. With an estimated lead time of four to five years for completion, the project represents a significant, long-term development for the region.

The sheer scale of the proposal has prompted the township board to think strategically about future land use in the area. “Due to the interest in development and the current Peaker Plant, it would be ideal to change this area of the township into an industrial corridor in our comprehensive plan,” the meeting minutes recorded from Walsh’s report.

This proactive step indicates the board’s intent to manage and zone for anticipated industrial growth rather than reacting to projects on a case-by-case basis. Creating a designated industrial corridor could streamline future development while protecting residential and agricultural areas elsewhere in the township.

The project is the latest in a series of energy-related developments in the region, including the recently approved Soltage Solar Farm. The board’s discussion highlighted a focus on ensuring such large-scale projects align with the community’s long-term vision. While specific details about the battery facility’s developer or its path through the county approval process were not discussed, its introduction signals a new wave of high-impact industrial interest in Manhattan Township.