Q: What are battery energy storage systems?
There are two kinds of battery energy storage systems, according to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) local government guide. One is paired with a renewable energy source, like solar panels. The other is a standalone system that charges directly from the grid and discharges at high demand times. Commercial-scale storage is usually around 5 megawatts. Utility-scale projects are usually 20 megawatts or larger.
There are also short-duration and long-duration systems, according to William Acker, executive director of the New York Battery and Energy Storage Technology Consortium, a trade organization created in 2010 to promote energy storage. Short-duration systems generally provide power for four to eight hours. Long-duration systems can provide power for days or weeks.
Components include:
Battery cells (lithium-ion batteries are the latest and most used in new systems).
A monitoring system for performance.
A system to convert the power from direct current to alternating current.
A management system to ell it to charge or discharge
A cooling system.
A communication system for grid operators to remotely control and monitor.
The electric grid has no way to store power for later use. Electricity must be available instantaneously. To continue that level of service, the grid is built to meet peak times. Acker said that means the grid is about 50% utilized. Energy storage acts like a warehouse of power for the grid. More storage means less costly infrastructure upgrades to the grid.
It also means less reliance on peaker plants, power plants that generally run only when there is a high demand, which use fossil fuels and emit greenhouse gases. Batteries have no emissions.
As of January, New York had about 500 megawatts’ worth of battery energy storage. New York’s goal is to have 6 gigawatts of energy storage online by 2030.
The electric grid, including battery energy storage systems. Diagram courtesy of NYSERDA
Q: Why are rural communities, like in the Adirondacks, being targeted for storage systems?
According to National Grid, battery energy storage systems provide more power reliability in rural areas. The storage systems provide power during windstorms and other outage events while utility crews get to the site and restore service.
The proposals in the Adirondack Park so far are sized to service the communities they are hosted.
Q: Will these battery energy storage systems provide power to New York City?
Acker likened the electric grid to New York’s road system. There are super highways, state roads and town roads. The grid has a few high voltage transmission lines that act like super highways that could bring electricity to New York City. The storage systems proposed in the Adirondack Park would more likely be tied into local transmission lines.
A simulation showing the proposed battery energy storage system proposed in the town of Northampton. Picture courtesy of Carson Power
Q: How is the state addressing the recent battery energy storage fires to make sure new systems are safer?
In 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul convened a working group to review the safety and security of battery energy storage systems. The group consisted of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Office of Fire Prevention and Control, NYSERDA, the state Department of Environmental Conservation, the Department of Public Service and the Department of State.
Their recommendations for an updated fire code were approved in 2025 and went into effect Jan. 1.
NYSERDA shared some of the biggest updates below:
Requiring industry-funded independent peer reviews for all Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) installations exceeding energy capacity thresholds established for lithium-ion batteries.
Mandatory peer reviews conducted by contracted independent experts as well as incorporated enhanced field inspections provide an added layer of oversight. The peer reviews and inspections operate in parallel with local permitting authority, ensuring that every community retains control while benefiting from expert safety oversight.
Requiring explosion protection for all battery units so battery “cabinets” require the same explosion safety systems as larger enclosures.
Requiring qualified personnel or representatives with knowledge of the BESS installation are available for dispatch within 15 minutes and able to arrive on scene within four hours to provide support to local emergency responders in the event of a BESS fire.
Requiring monitoring of fire detection systems by a central station service alarm system to ensure timely, proper notification to the local fire department in the event of a fire alarm.
This includes around-the-clock monitoring for smart, safe systems and enhanced video monitoring with a 72-hour lookback feature for transparency and safety.
Requiring every BESS facility is equipped with an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) and site-specific training to be offered for local fire departments to familiarize them with the project, hazards associated with BESS, and procedures outlined in the ERP.
Mandating regular industry-funded special inspections for BESS installations to ensure thorough safety and compliance.
Q: Does the state Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission (ORES) oversee battery energy storage system projects?
Currently, no. ORES, which oversees renewable energy projects that are 25 megawatts or greater, does not have jurisdiction over any battery energy storage system applications. There is legislation proposing to house battery projects under ORES.
Q: What about how these systems are made and the impacts that has to the environment?
“Promoting a sustainable, humane and environmentally-friendly supply chain is critical to a just energy transition,” a NYSERDA spokesperson said. “There is ongoing research and various policy efforts underway, including improved traceability standards and investment in domestic manufacturing and recycling. The same critical minerals are also used for phones, TV, AI data centers, watches and other technologies.”
Acker said the industry is working toward cobalt-free batteries. Cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has raised ethical, environmental and health problems.
At the end of the batteries’ lives, the nickel, copper and lithium components are recyclable, Acker said.