Concerns Surrounding Proposed Battery Storage System in Syracuse

Syracuse residents on the South Side are raising red flags about a proposed battery storage system at 426 E. Brighton Ave. Many locals fear that the facility could pose serious risks, including the potential for fires and pollution. Beata Karpinska resides less than a quarter-mile from the proposed site and has expressed her apprehensions about the project’s proximity to residential neighborhoods.

Community Concerns About Proximity

“They said the site isn’t close to residences, but it is,” Karpinska noted, pointing out that nearby houses, student housing, an apartment complex, and even a gas station lie within walking distance. Her fears are amplified by the thought of a potential disaster, stating, “It would be a man-made disaster zone if it catches on fire.”

Project Details and Company Position

New Leaf Energy, the Troy-based company behind the project, argued before Syracuse’s Economic Development Committee for a special-use permit to move forward. The battery energy storage systems are designed to draw power from the grid during off-peak hours—typically at night—and supply electricity back to the grid during peak demand hours in the day. This innovative approach aims to increase the reliability of New York’s electric grid, especially as energy consumption surges due to the growth of industries such as data centers and advanced manufacturing.

The facility is expected to store enough electricity to serve approximately 6,000 to 7,000 households, which highlights its potential benefits. In fact, New York officials have recently introduced new financial incentives aimed at promoting these battery systems as a greener alternative, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels during peak consumption.

Fire Safety Concerns

However, safety concerns loom large. Fire Chief Michael Monds has expressed his reluctance to approve the plan, mainly due to fire code violations stemming from the system’s proximity to nearby structures. He emphasized that the proposed 20,000-square-foot facility is too close to existing residences. Monds has advocated for further consultation with experts to ensure the safety measures are robust.

Terrence Nolan, the project’s senior developer, contended that fires are unlikely but admitted that, if one were to occur, the design could complicate firefighting efforts. The lithium-ion batteries are housed inside a metal shell, and while water can be used to try to control the flames, it may not be effective in reaching the fire contained within. As a result, firefighters would need to monitor the situation closely to prevent the fire from spreading.

Local Voices and Environmental Impact

Karpinska voiced her concerns about potential pollutants from a fire, stating, “I don’t want that in my organic garden.” She pointed out that although the system may be reliable in controlled settings, components can fail over time, and the design allows for a fire to burn itself out. Her fears are echoed by the local community, which remains apprehensive about the potential environmental impact, especially as new safety regulations for lithium-ion batteries have been established in response to previous incidents in New York State.

In 2023, significant fires at energy storage systems in Jefferson, Orange, and Suffolk counties raised alarms, each taking days to extinguish. These incidents have contributed to the community’s reluctance to welcome new installations of this nature into residential areas.

Committee Decisions and Future Steps

During the recent committee meeting, the energy committee opted not to issue a special-use permit for the project, emphasizing the need for crucial public input. Councilors Pat Hogan and Marty Nave both expressed support for the project’s objectives but suggested it might be better situated away from populated areas. Nave noted, “The location is near a neighborhood and businesses. I think we should keep these in industrial areas.”

Hogan confirmed that a public hearing will be conducted, allowing concerned citizens like Karpinska to voice their opinions further. He also mentioned that this proposal is not the only one on the table; other companies, such as PureSky Energy, are also exploring potential sites around Syracuse.

Regulatory Landscape and Future Considerations

As discussions continue, there’s an acknowledgment that the city may need to reevaluate its zoning codes to address the specific safety needs of large-scale battery storage facilities. This reflects a growing trend across municipalities as they grapple with the complexities of transitioning toward greener energy solutions.

New Leaf Energy emphasizes its successful track record, having managed three other battery projects over the last two years without incidents. Fleet co-founder Paul Rogers, a retired firefighter, highlighted the stringent safety standards that have been developed through extensive testing.

As the plan stands, the site will not have onsite staff; monitoring will occur at a centralized location, raising further questions about the facility’s accessibility and quick response capabilities in emergencies.

In contrast, the city of Oswego has taken a more cautious approach, enacting a 12-month ban on new battery storage facilities as the industry continues to evolve. This decision underscores the tension between the need for innovation and the imperative of community safety.