Increasing concerns over safety have led to significant local opposition against large lithium-ion battery storage projects across the United States. Residents worry that these facilities, designed to store energy for peak demand, could pose fire risks similar to a major incident earlier this year in Moss Landing, California. In response, several communities have enacted moratoriums on new battery storage developments.
One prominent figure in this movement is Michael McGinty, mayor of Island Park, New York. His village passed a moratorium in July following a proposal for a storage system near its borders. “We’re not guinea pigs for anybody. We are not going to experiment; we’re not going to take risks,” McGinty stated, highlighting the community’s concerns.
As interest in battery energy storage systems (BESS) surges due to the rise of renewable energy sources like wind and solar, local opposition has become increasingly vocal. According to data from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, the number of municipalities implementing temporary bans on large battery systems rose sharply in 2023 and 2024. This trend reflects growing apprehension among residents about the safety of these systems, particularly the potential for thermal runaway events, which can lead to fires or explosions.
California and Texas have been at the forefront of battery storage development, but states like New York are also moving quickly to ramp up their energy storage capacities. In fact, New York aims to add 6,000 megawatts of energy storage by 2030, half of which will consist of large-scale systems. Yet, local activists argue that the rapid expansion of battery storage facilities comes with unacceptable risks.
The backlash has gained national attention, with recent visits from high-profile officials such as Lee Zeldin, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. During a visit to New York, Zeldin criticized the state for hastily approving battery storage sites to meet what he termed “delusional” green power goals. State officials have firmly denied these allegations, asserting that safety is a priority.
Concerns over the safety of battery systems are not unfounded. The January fire in Moss Landing forced the evacuation of approximately 1,500 people and released toxic smoke into the atmosphere. Despite these incidents, experts in the field argue that battery technology has improved significantly over the years. Ofodike Ezekoye, a combustion expert at The University of Texas at Austin, noted that while failures are infrequent, no technology is entirely without risk. “This is a relatively immature technology that is maturing quickly,” he said, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to enhance safety protocols.
Proponents of battery storage maintain that facilities designed in compliance with updated safety regulations can effectively mitigate fire risks. For instance, storage systems in New York must adhere to stringent fire codes requiring modular design and sufficient spacing to prevent the spread of flames. However, residents near proposed sites remain skeptical. In Washington State, Maple Valley’s city manager, Laura Philpot, stated that the city approved a six-month moratorium to ensure community safety while more information is gathered.
In Halstead, Kansas, voters will soon decide whether to prohibit larger battery storage systems within city limits. Mayor Dennis Travis expressed hope that the community could eventually accommodate a safely designed facility, but he acknowledged that local fears are heavily influenced by high-profile incidents like the Moss Landing fire.
Opposition to the proposed 250-megawatt lithium-ion storage system in the Town of Ulster, New York, underscores the rising tensions. Resident Winnie Sokolowski argued that the system’s proximity to schools and homes poses too much of a risk. “They’re banking on nothing happening, but I don’t think you can place it where they’re proposing and assume nothing’s going to happen,” she said.
The developer of the Ulster project, Terra-Gen, maintains that their design incorporates safety measures to prevent fire spread and ensures no credible threat to neighbors. Additionally, Doreen Harris, President of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, expressed confidence in the state’s safety regulations, asserting that expanding battery storage will ultimately strengthen and modernize the power grid.
As energy storage technology continues to evolve, the balance between advancing renewable energy and addressing community safety concerns remains a critical discussion point across the United States.
