Embracing Battery Storage: A Critical Step for New York’s Energy Future
As New York State advances in its mission to transition to 100% emission free energy by 2040 by shutting down coal plants and increasing reliance on cleaner energy sources, a critical component must be addressed: battery storage. The recent brownouts across the state have highlighted the urgent need for a reliable way to store and distribute power as we shift away from fossil fuels.
The demand for electricity is escalating at an unprecedented rate. With the increasing adoption of electric cars and the reality of a population living longer, our electricity consumption is soaring. Moreover, as we integrate more wind and solar power into our grid, the need for batteries becomes even more pronounced. Renewable energy sources, while essential for a sustainable future, are intermittent. When the sun isn't shining or the wind isn't blowing, we must have a way to store energy to ensure a continuous supply.
Battery storage is not a novel concept; it has been around for a long time - the first time a battery was hooked up to a solar panel was in 1954. And batteries are present in all areas of our lives with relatively very few incidents. Consider the batteries in our phones, which we rely on daily without a second thought. Every neighborhood in New York is, and has been, supported by a network of batteries in substations, forming the backbone of our energy grid. The same principle applies with battery storage systems for renewable energy sources that are distributed across the state. In fact, every county in New York State currently has solar battery storage. NYSERDA provides a map of projects with battery storage by county on their website. Most people are unaware of the presence of these systems because there have been no safety issues with their operation.
The New York State Fire Code Section 1206 regulates the management of batteries, from installation to decommissioning, and are some of the most stringent codes in the country. In fact, New York State took National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 2020 standards and developed stricter measures. The NFPA has only just published standards that meet New York State requirements in 2024, so we have been operating at these level of regulations for four years ahead of the rest of the country.
Because of these intense safety standards and protocols, the safety concerns surrounding battery storage are often overstated. The reality is that the incidence of fires related to batteries is remarkably low, with far less than 1% of all batteries resulting in fires. In fact, according to American Clean Power, in 2022 there were only 12 safety events caused by batteries linked to solar systems worldwide. This statistic holds true for both stationary energy storage systems and electric vehicle batteries.
In conclusion, as we phase out coal plants and embrace renewable energy sources, the need for robust battery storage solutions cannot be overstated. New York's stringent safety standards and proactive policies provide a solid foundation for the state's energy future. By continuing to invest in and prioritize battery storage, New York can ensure a reliable, sustainable, and safe energy supply for all its residents. The transition to a cleaner energy future is not just a necessity; it is an opportunity to lead by example and pave the way for a more resilient energy system.
This story is told by Shawn Grasby and written by Anna Castonguay.