Expansion of battery storage facilities in New York sparks concerns about potential risks.
In the heart of Brooklyn, a local resident named Claudia Greco is leading a battle against a proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) site. The planned facility is set to be built just 27 feet from the back of her house, sparking concerns about potential dangers.
This isn't the only instance of opposition to BESS sites in the city. Across New York City, some communities are pushing back against these energy-storage facilities, viewing them as a potential fire hazard. The issue has escalated following a significant fire incident in northern California, where the world's largest BESS, owned by Texas-based Vistra Corp, was engulfed in flames. The fire forced the evacuation of over 1,200 people.
The BESS sites, designed to store electricity for use when the power grid is strained, are seen as a smart, green solution to addressing power grid issues. However, the controversy surrounding them has led the New York City Council to address the proliferation of "battery farms" in the five boroughs.
NineDot Energy, a company developing numerous BESS projects in the city, has over 50 such projects in the works locally, most of them in New York City. While the specific project that Claudia Greco is fighting against has not been previously mentioned, NineDot Energy has developed notable sites on Staten Island. However, the exact locations and timelines of these projects are not publicly detailed in the available sources.
Local energy providers and city officials argue that the BESS sites are tightly regulated, but concerns over lithium-ion battery sites, as voiced by Claudia Greco, have not been dismissed. She, like other residents, has expressed fears about the batteries catching fire.
As the debate continues, it's clear that the issue of BESS sites in New York City is a matter of contention. While they are seen as a potential solution to power grid strain, the perceived risks associated with them are causing many to question their placement and regulation.
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