Pros and cons of battery storage sites | Local concerns, safety updates
May 27, 2026
Pros and cons of battery storage sites | Local concerns, safety updates
Developers are proposing larger, utility-scale projects — some capable of storing hundreds of megawatts of power — to support renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
The force of an explosion at a Raynham lithium battery plant was strong enough to blow out three doors. No one was hurt, but as more battery storage facilities keep popping up, so are questions about safety. Here’s what you should know if a battery park opens up in your town.
Battery storage facilities are rapidly expanding across Massachusetts as the state pushes toward cleaner, more reliable energy.
But as these projects move closer to neighborhoods, they’re also raising concerns about safety and community input.
WATCH HEREWhat is battery storage, and why is it growing?
Battery energy storage systems are designed to store electricity and release it when demand is high, acting like a backup power source for the grid.
“That’s a really key technology for unlocking a lot of savings for customers,” said Massachusetts Undersecretary of Energy Mike Judge. “It helps reduce peak demand and avoid building new, costly infrastructure.”
The state has already deployed thousands of smaller battery systems. Now, developers are proposing larger, utility-scale projects — some capable of storing hundreds of megawatts of power — to support renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
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NBC10 Boston
A massive project in an industrial area
In Everett, one project by Jupiter Power is about to become the largest battery storage facility in Massachusetts, and possibly all of New England.
“This used to be an area dominated by fossil fuels,” said John Walkey, director of climate justice at GreenRoots. “Now we’re talking about clean energy that makes the grid more reliable and more affordable over time.”
The proposed facility will be split across two parcels in an industrial zone, one reason some residents see it as an appropriate location. Still, concerns remain — even in industrial areas.
“People do have concerns in terms of fires, explosions, things like that,” Walkey said.
Safety: What the data shows
Battery fires have made headlines here and in other parts of the country, raising questions about whether large-scale storage facilities are safe.
But researchers say the technology has improved significantly.
“We’ve calculated about a 99% reduction in failure rate over the last seven years,” said Lakshmi Srinivasan, a battery safety researcher with the Electric Power Research Institute.
Experts say that improvement is due to stronger safety standards, better system design and lessons learned from early incidents.
“There’s really an ecosystem of codes, standards and design practices,” Srinivasan said, “all focused on reducing both the likelihood and severity of failures.”
Why batteries matter for clean energy
Battery storage plays a critical role in the transition to renewable energy.
Solar panels only produce power during the day, and wind energy can fluctuate. Batteries store that energy so it can be used later — especially during peak demand, like hot summer evenings.
“When the sun’s not shining or the wind’s not blowing, that stored energy is there,” Walkey said.
Battery storage offers a cleaner alternative, reducing emissions and potentially lowering long-term energy costs.
Concerns in residential areas
While projects in industrial zones have seen comparatively less pushback, proposed battery facilities near residential neighborhoods are facing stronger opposition.
On the Saugus-Revere line, one project would place dozens of battery units, each roughly the size of a tractor-trailer, near homes and a local park.
“I have concerns about what’s going to happen here 15 or 20 years from now,” said Saugus resident and Town Meeting Member Robert Camuso.
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Among his biggest worries: safety, long-term health impacts and lack of information.
“Not knowing the health impacts is a concern,” Camuso said. “If something tragic happens, it’s happening right here.”
Emergency response concerns
Battery fires differ significantly from typical structure fires, requiring specialized training and equipment.
“It’s not just dumping water on it,” Walkey explained. “There are chemical reactions, there are gases — and you need trained responders.”
Community input and environmental justice
Advocates say one of the biggest issues isn’t just safety, it’s process.
“Our biggest concern is making sure people are informed and have a voice,” Walkey said. “If something is coming into your neighborhood, you should be part of that conversation.”
Residents in Saugus say they want more transparency before projects move forward.
“I’d like to see more independent information,” Camuso said. “Something that tells us it’s safe before it’s built.”
What Happens Next
Many of these battery projects — including the one on the Revere-Saugus line — are still in early stages and require extensive local and state approvals.
That includes environmental reviews, fire safety planning and public input. Officials say the process can take years, and no final decisions have been made.
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