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There was a lot of misinformation in the commentary on the 250MW battery storage system "Dunkirk Battery Energy Storage project is another scam." (July 27)
Battery energy storage systems are not unproven, nor are they a "scam." They are in widespread and growing use throughout the U.S. because they offer advantages to both electricity system operators and electricity consumers.
Texas is a notable example. In the winter of 2021, a series of brutal storms led to the near collapse of the state's electric grid. About 4.5 million people were without power during a prolonged cold snap, and nearly 250 people died.
Texas woke up to the benefits of adding more renewable energy and battery storage to its grid. The state now leads the U.S. in renewable energy growth and gets 37% of its power from wind and solar power, paired with large-scale BESS installations. Battery storage also protects Texas ratepayers from the formerly huge price swings in their electricity bills, because batteries discharge stored power during periods of high demand, mitigating the resulting shortages that drive up prices.
As for safety, new battery energy storage systems are at least as safe as the gas and oil combustion technologies we take for granted. The BESS for Dunkirk would be built to New York's strict safety and inspection standards established in 2023. It would use LFP batteries, which are much more stable than those that experienced thermal runaway and caused fires in older facilities.
The project has even received a safety endorsement from the Dunkirk's fire chief. Think about it: we use and carry batteries everywhere. Have we banned laptops and cell phones because some early models caught fire?
Dunkirk is not an energy island unto itself; we are all dependent on a strong and resilient electric grid, which is strengthened by battery storage. Especially with the growth of electric demand from data centers, New York should lead, not lag, in adopting battery storage. I encourage your readers to follow the example of Texas and support the proposed battery installation in Dunkirk.
Lynn Saxton is chair of The Climate Reality Project Western New York Chapter. She resides in Warsaw.