What we know about the proposed Battery Energy Storage System
By Andrew Harris
The media has been all abuzz in Angelica NY with residents and activists fully engaged in an effort to stop a proposed Tesla BESS on the Hess Road. For many, this is the start of a battle against all things unpopular in Allegany County NY: Electrification, solar farms, wind turbines, artificial intelligence data centers, and the heavy hand of New York State.
First, half the people don’t know what a BESS is. What is the purpose ? Why are they so hated ?
A Battery Energy Storage System is a warehouse full of lithium batteries(BESS,) big state-of-the-art batteries that can store lots of power in shipping container-esque structures. The power to be stored can be provided from a solar/wind/hydro energy source or simply fed and charged by the larger electrical grid, for a “rainy day.” That is essentially the point of a BESS, to stabilize the energy grid as it grows changes by providing electrification when the grid needs it. Tesla is a major producer of BESS systems and the Angelica project was suggested to be a Tesla Megapack system. BESS systems are disliked by some because they are directly related to the proliferation of “green energy” and “Ai data centers.” Essentially without enough BESS, the future electric grid won’t be stable.
What do we know about the BESS proposal in Angelica
The most important fact that seems lost in the resistance to the project is that no application, project overview, site map, or formal request of any kind has been received by the Town of Angelica.
The people are hyper vigilant and do not trust any part of this new technology. The reported location chosen on the Hess Road has been called, “not an ideal location,” but based on proximity to existing electric infrastructure. Also located near the Allegany County Gateway at the I-86 and NYS Route 19 interchange, the new Department of Public Works facility, the future housing development and potential hotel and restaurant project that is part of the Allegany County Economic Development plan of action. Approximate proposed location is below:
As of this writing, the town of Angelica has not received any site maps, or engineering specifications. Town Supervisor Girard Kelly explained that the initial contact was informal and suggested that this BESS project would be a Tesla Megapack.
Could home rule in Angelica being superseded by state law for this project?
Based on how NYS has handled many energy projects since the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) was made law in 2019, home rule could be superseded by state regulators. At this point that would be pure speculation but the Town Supervisor Girard Kelly pointed out that the town is currently in the process of drafting a local law to establish guidelines and parameters for battery storage projects. The Allegany County Planning Board will need to approve the new law first. Kelly hoped that the review process will be over soon at which time the draft law will be available and a public hearing date set.
What are the obvious downsides and concerns about this project ?
Besides the previously mentioned location being altered with a battery storage facility, some residents nearby existing BESS installations complain of a humming noise from the fans used to cool the lithium batteries. The potential of fire is a concern, should the BESS fail mechanically and catch fire, it will require special equipment and mitigation from the dangerous smoke. Despite claims that local fire departments are not equipped to battle such a blaze, The Angelica Fire and Rescue Chief Joshua Ford made this statement on social media:
“As the Fire Chief here in Angelica, I just want make clear the post stating the fire department is not trained, equipped, staffed to handle a BESS fire, is false. The Angelica Fire Department is trained, equipped, and ready to respond to anything, even as volunteers. I also can state our mutual aid departments that would respond along with us to such an incident are trained and equipped. the Angelica Fire Department covers 13 miles of I-86 where many potentially dangerous USDOT classed hazardous and flammable materials are transported through our fire protection area 24hrs a day to include Classes 2, 3, 8, and 9 which includes lithium ion batteries. Having the interstate within our response area has made us quite aware and train accordingly for lithium ion fires among other potentially hazardous fires and incidents. We have a well trained and dedicated volunteer fire department here in Angelica and it is a slap on face to those men and women to post something without getting the facts correct when it pertains to us”
What are the benefits and upsides to a BESS facility in Angelica ?
The entire purpose of a BESS is to use stored electricity to make the electric grid more stable. Power outages are common, electric bills have increased dramatically, and a BESS facility could mitigate both issues. In theory, stored electric makes outages less common, and makes peak demand spikes less significant. For example, when below freezing weather starts, electric demand increases dramatically, especially in populated areas. That demand increases the price for all customers, but especially rural customers because of the new “delivery and transmission” charges. The farther the ratepayer is from the peak demand, the more the “delivery and transmission” charges. With a BESS in the center of Allegany County, energy would be available to satisfy local demand as peak demand flows to larger populations.
What is next for this proposed project ?
First, the developer has to submit an application to the town, a commercial building permit, just like any other structure that would be built. If and when that application is submitted, the town board, town lawyer, and code enforcement will review. Once the application is complete it is unclear if the Allegany County Planning Board must first approve the project and unclear if a public hearing will be required before town approval. As Kelly explained, the project could well end up being out of local hands and a state managed project.
Stay tuned to the Sun for updates as they are available.
Link to learn more about a Tesla MegaPack BESS system
