Rapid growth of battery storage facilities in New York sparks safety concerns among some residents.
In recent times, the debate over battery energy storage systems (BESS) has gained momentum, with concerns about safety and regulation coming to the fore.
In northern California, a massive fire at a BESS site owned by Texas-based Vistra Corp. has escalated these concerns. The blaze, which forced the evacuation of over 1,200 people, occurred at the world's largest BESS in rural Monterey County. The fire is associated with Vistra Corp., a company that also owns the BESS site in question.
City officials and energy providers argue that BESS sites are tightly regulated, and they are considered a smart and green way to store electricity for use when the power grid is strained. However, objections from prospective neighbours who perceive battery energy storage facilities as a fire threat persist.
A resident of Marine Park, Brooklyn, named Claudia Greco, is fighting against a BESS site set to be built just 27 feet from the back of her house. Ms. Greco's main concern is the dangers of lithium-ion battery sites, echoing the sentiments of many who fear the potential risks associated with these energy-storage facilities.
The issue of battery farms proliferation across the five boroughs of New York City is being addressed by the New York City Council. The energy providers planning over 50 projects with lithium-ion battery energy storage systems in New York City are Consolidated Edison (ConEd), National Grid, and New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG). NineDot Energy has more than 50 BESS projects in the works locally, with most of them planned for New York City.
As the debate continues, it is clear that the safety and regulation of BESS sites are paramount concerns for both residents and energy providers. The fire in northern California serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with these energy-storage facilities, and it is essential that proper measures are put in place to ensure the safety of communities and the environment.
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