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.
As energy storage expands, residents are increasingly voicing concerns about the safety of these systems, particularly in light of a massive fire incident at a facility in California earlier this year.
State-of-the-art battery energy storage systems are claimed by proponents to be safe, but many localities, including Island Park, New York, which imposed a moratorium in July, express skepticism. Mayor Michael McGinty emphasized, “We’re not guinea pigs for anybody ... we are not going to experiment; we’re not going to take risks.”
Numerous communities nationwide have taken actions to temporarily halt the development of battery systems, adding fuel to an already contentious debate.
Battery growth spurt
Battery energy storage systems, also known as BESS, are critical for managing the fluctuations of renewable energy sources like wind and solar. They store energy during low-demand periods and release it during high-demand times, contributing to increased grid reliability and reduced blackout instances.
Although the U.S. and China lead the global charge in battery storage implementation, other countries such as Saudi Arabia, Australia, and the U.K. have initiated significant projects. Despite political resistance to renewable energy, the U.S. federal budget has maintained key tax credits for battery storage development.
In the second quarter of 2025 alone, developers added nearly 5,000 megawatts of battery storage capacity in the U.S., primarily in California and Texas.
Lithium-ion fire worries
Opponents highlight the risk of thermal runaway—a chain reaction that may lead to fires or explosions. The incident in Moss Landing, California, which generated toxic smoke and evacuated residents, has heightened anxiety among those near potential battery sites.
Experts acknowledge advancements in safety over the years but caution that no system is without risk. Ofodike Ezekoye, a combustion expert, notes that many researchers are actively seeking ways to enhance the safety of battery systems.
Proponents assert that facilities like Moss Landing would not meet safety codes in New York, where regulations now demand minimum spacing and modular design to prevent fire spread.
Blocking battery systems
Residents near proposed battery sites have leaned toward moratoriums amid safety uncertainties. Maple Valley in Washington implemented a six-month halt, while Halstead, Kansas, is set to vote on a ban for larger systems in the city limits.
In Ulster, New York, resident Winnie Sokolowski opposes a proposed 250-megawatt lithium-ion storage system, citing proximity to schools and homes as too risky: “They’re banking on nothing happening, but ... it’s just too risky if it does.”
Developers insist safety measures will mitigate risks, and stakeholders like New York’s Energy Research and Development Authority remain confident in existing regulations, asserting that expanding battery storage is integral to modernizing the electric grid.
As this debate unfolds, the balance between advancing renewable energy infrastructure and ensuring community safety remains a contentious and evolving topic.
