More and more, big arrays of lithium-ion batteries are being hooked up to electrical grids around the U.S. to store power that can be discharged in times of high demand.
However, as more energy storage is added, residents in some places are pushing back due to fears that the systems will go up in flames, as a massive facility in California did earlier this year. Proponents maintain that state-of-the-art battery energy storage systems are safe, yet numerous localities are enacting moratoriums.
“We’re not guinea pigs for anybody ... we are not going to experiment, we’re not going to take risk,” said Michael McGinty, the mayor of Island Park, New York, which passed a moratorium in July after a storage system was proposed near the village line.
At least a few dozen localities around the United States have moved to temporarily block development of big battery systems in recent years.
Long Island has emerged as a hotbed of activism, recently attracting attention from the Trump administration. Opponents gained momentum in August when Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin criticized the state for rushing approvals of sites to meet “delusional” green power goals — a claim state officials deny. Battery energy storage systems are crucial for accommodating intermittent sources of energy such as wind and solar.
Known as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), these installations can enhance grid reliability and reduce blackouts by storing cheap power for later use. In the U.S., California and Texas lead in battery storage development, but the trend is expanding to other states.
Despite the risks highlighted by past incidents, experts assert that battery systems have become safer over the years with advancing technology. Opponents, however, remain cautious after notable fires, including a significant incident in California that forced evacuations.
Local governments in various states, including Washington and New York, have enacted temporary blocks on new battery storage systems as residents voice concerns about potential hazards near their communities. Advocates for these systems argue that proper safety measures are in place to mitigate risks and that the technology can play a vital role in modernizing the energy grid.
However, as more energy storage is added, residents in some places are pushing back due to fears that the systems will go up in flames, as a massive facility in California did earlier this year. Proponents maintain that state-of-the-art battery energy storage systems are safe, yet numerous localities are enacting moratoriums.
“We’re not guinea pigs for anybody ... we are not going to experiment, we’re not going to take risk,” said Michael McGinty, the mayor of Island Park, New York, which passed a moratorium in July after a storage system was proposed near the village line.
At least a few dozen localities around the United States have moved to temporarily block development of big battery systems in recent years.
Long Island has emerged as a hotbed of activism, recently attracting attention from the Trump administration. Opponents gained momentum in August when Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin criticized the state for rushing approvals of sites to meet “delusional” green power goals — a claim state officials deny. Battery energy storage systems are crucial for accommodating intermittent sources of energy such as wind and solar.
Known as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), these installations can enhance grid reliability and reduce blackouts by storing cheap power for later use. In the U.S., California and Texas lead in battery storage development, but the trend is expanding to other states.
Despite the risks highlighted by past incidents, experts assert that battery systems have become safer over the years with advancing technology. Opponents, however, remain cautious after notable fires, including a significant incident in California that forced evacuations.
Local governments in various states, including Washington and New York, have enacted temporary blocks on new battery storage systems as residents voice concerns about potential hazards near their communities. Advocates for these systems argue that proper safety measures are in place to mitigate risks and that the technology can play a vital role in modernizing the energy grid.
