The Town of Brookhaven recently held a public forum to discuss the potential installation of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in the area. The forum, attended by residents and a panel of experts, aimed to provide information about these systems, address safety concerns, and answer community questions. The event highlighted the growing interest in renewable energy storage and the challenges associated with integrating such systems into suburban settings.
The panel featured two detailed presentations. The first covered the basics of battery energy storage systems, focusing on the containers used to house lithium-ion batteries and their operational mechanisms. These systems are designed to store excess energy from renewable sources like solar and wind for later use, providing a reliable energy backup during peak demand periods or outages.
The second presentation concentrated on fire safety concerns, a major topic of interest among attendees. Experts explained that lithium-ion battery fires, though rare, require specific handling. Unlike conventional fires, these fires need to burn out. Water alone cannot extinguish lithium fires but can help contain them within fire-resistant containers. These containers are rigorously tested under large-scale failure scenarios before deployment to ensure their safety and resilience.
To streamline the forum, residents were invited to submit questions in advance. The Town organized responses to address recurring themes, including fire safety measures, containment protocols, and emergency evacuation plans. Specific concerns were raised about the rationale for placing these systems in densely populated suburban areas, as well as potential risks related to noise, air and water pollution, and long-term health impacts, including cancer.
While the panel addressed many of these concerns, some questions, such as health risks, were noted as requiring further investigation. Insurance-related inquiries, another area of concern for attendees, were deferred, with the Town promising to provide answers via email later.
The forum featured a diverse panel of professionals with expertise in energy storage, safety, and local regulations. Representatives included the Brookhaven Town Supervisor Daniel Panico (R-Center Moriches), members from Brookhaven National Laboratory, the Town’s Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Energy Safety Response Group (ESRG), consisting of an ex-FDNY firefighter who contributed to drafting safety codes for energy storage systems in New York City. Also present were representatives from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), PSEG, and the Town’s legal counsel.
Panelists reassured residents about the rigorous safety standards these systems must meet before installation, emphasizing that containment measures and fire response protocols are integral to the design. The Fire Marshall stated that inspections would occur annually if these facilities were approved.
The Town of Brookhaven emphasized that the BESS proposals are still under review. These projects are not currently up for planning board votes or public hearings, as the town continues to conduct its due diligence. Officials stated that they are committed to ensuring transparency and addressing community concerns before moving forward.
Residents expressed apprehension about the potential risks associated with these systems, underscoring the need for ongoing dialogue and detailed risk assessments. The forum served as a starting point for the Town to gather community feedback and ensure that safety remains a top priority.
