Orange County, NY: Residents want more action on fire safety after BESS incidents
The majority of residents in Orange County in New York – which has experienced a number of high-profile battery energy storage fires in recent years – believe more regular inspections and testing, or the use of fire suppression and battery monitoring technologies, would best improve the safety of battery energy storage system (BESS) sites in their community.
In 2023, there were two high profile lithium-ion battery energy storage fires at sites in Warwick, Orange County. The fires led to concerns about air quality, and while tests showed an air quality index “within non-alarming levels”, it was advised that local residents “keep a distance and close windows” if they were in the vicinity of the incident. Given such high-profile battery storage fire incidents, it is unsurprising that ensuring regular testing of battery storage facilities has emerged as a key priority for many residents in Orange County, an area in which a number of major battery energy storage projects are being planned.
Residents highlight preferred approaches to improving BESS safety
Published research by Firetrace International concluded that 54% of Orange County residents believe that regular inspections and testing or the use of fire suppression and battery monitoring technologies would be the most effective way of improving the safety of BESS projects. The study also showed that 20% of locals believe that comprehensive emergency response plans would best improve the safety of BESS in their community.
Despite calls for regular testing and inspections, as well as the greater use of fire suppression and battery monitoring technologies, most residents of Orange County in New York are highly supportive of BESS. The Firetrace study found that nearly two-thirds of locals (62%) agreed that BESS is “essential for the transition to renewable energy”. Given the high levels of public support for the technology, it is vital that BESS developers do all that they can to capitalize on this goodwill.
Vast majority of residents more likely to support BESS projects that have fire suppression systems
One of the most important ways in which BESS developers would be able to build on this solid base of public support is by incorporating advanced fire suppression systems, the study showed. A massive 92% of Orange County residents said they would be more likely to support a project in their area if it included advanced fire suppression systems and emergency response plans. The study also indicated that including fire suppression systems and emergence response plans would boost public support for BESS projects to a significant extent – most residents (58%) said they would be “much more likely” to support BESS projects that included these elements. In fact, approximately one-third of Orange County residents said concerns about health and safety risks were the biggest barrier to public acceptance of BESS. Meanwhile 22 per cent said “insufficient local government and fire service preparedness” was the biggest obstacle.
BESS fires such as those in Suffolk County have led to New York state introducing new BESS fire safety codes this year. Such codes are a vital first step to improving BESS safety, but there are many other approaches that can be adopted to ensure local communities are well protected.
Energy storage fire safety must be prioritized
With the lives of first responders, millions of dollars of energy storage investment, community support for BESS projects and the storage industry’s reputation at stake, it is vital that developers and owners make energy storage fire safety a priority. In addition to the potential danger to life, battery storage fire incidents can cost developers, owners or operators up to $2 million as a result of the catastrophic loss of an asset and loss of revenue from up to 18 months’ worth of downtime. Furthermore, each fire can weaken community confidence, making it harder for residents to see BESS sites as beneficial rather than potential safety risks.
Continuous analysis and review are essential to ensure compliance with the latest requirements and regulations regarding energy storage safety in order to maintain optimal safety standards. Organizations must stay vigilant and adapt to changes to effectively manage risks associated with energy storage systems.