In a hearing held by the New York City Council on Tuesday the 28th, officials from the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) and environmental activists insisted that the city’s stringent inspection mechanisms are sufficient to ensure the safety of Lithium Battery Energy Storage Stations (BESS). However, legislators and residents remain deeply concerned about the risks posed by these facilities being located in close proximity to residences and schools, creating a tense atmosphere at the venue.
FDNY’s Fire Chief Thomas Currao pointed out that New York City’s safety inspection system sets the standard for “urban energy system safety” nationwide, including fire tests, plan reviews, and multiple layers of checks. He emphasized, “FDNY represents a multi-step ‘safety gatekeeper’; this is the strongest and most comprehensive system in the country.”
BESS can store renewable energy and release it during peak grid demand, with supporters hailing it as a key in phasing out fossil fuel “peak power plants.” However, as New York State aims to reach clean energy goals, plans to expand energy storage capacity from 359 megawatts to 6000 megawatts have led to a rapid growth of battery facilities across the city, sparking protests from residents of Staten Island, Queens, and Brooklyn.
The residents’ concerns are not unfounded. In recent years, lithium battery fires have occurred in various parts of New York State, with some burning for days; in January of this year, one of the world’s largest BESS in Northern California forced 1,500 people to evacuate due to a fire that continued to burn for nearly two weeks. Residents question the proximity of battery facilities to homes in densely populated residential areas being as close as 10 feet reasonable?
FDNY Hazardous Materials Division Director Joseph Loftus clarified that most lithium battery fires currently stem from uncertified electric cars and motorcycles, rather than industrial-grade systems. He stated, “These storage systems are highly engineered, with automatic shutdown and remote monitoring mechanisms.” According to the data he cited, despite installation rates increasing 250 times in six years, the incidence of fires has decreased by 98%.
However, when asked if he would be willing to live near a battery facility, Loftus’ response did not alleviate public concerns. He stated, “For safety reasons, I would feel reassured,” but Queens Councilmember Joann Ariola rebutted, “You might be the only one in New York who thinks that. These facilities should be in industrial areas, not in our communities.”
Councilmember Robert Holden criticized more directly, saying that a BESS project is located “across from a school with 1,100 students,” calling it “a farce.” He questioned, “When the FDNY admits that these fires cannot be extinguished and can only be left to burn out naturally, how can they claim safety?” FDNY officials also admitted that due to explosion risks, their strategy is to control the burn rather than extinguish it.
Environmental organizations cautioned against slowing down energy transition due to fear. Pete Sikora from New York’s Climate and Inequality Movement said, “Fossil fuel power plants have long polluted communities, posing greater threats to health and climate. BESS can lower energy costs, stabilize the grid, and create union jobs.”
However, resident representatives insist that they have become “guinea pigs for new technology.” Jasmin Lawrence, a resident of Queens, whose home is just 10 feet away from the proposed battery site of NineDot Energy, has brought legal action against the developer. She questioned, “How can you sleep peacefully when your child’s bedroom is just a few steps away from potential danger?”
Local organizations and residents’ alliances are calling on the Council to amend laws and require greater distances between energy storage facilities and residential areas. Former State Assemblyman William Scarborough stated, “We are not against clean energy; we are against it being placed at our doorstep. Neither the FDNY nor developers can guarantee that these facilities will not catch fire.”