As New York’s energy grid becomes more environmentally friendly, city governments are sparking debates about the pros and cons of solar-based battery energy storage. 

The Syracuse Common Council rejected, for now, a plan to install two energy storage systems, also called BESSes, during a meeting on Friday.

The system was proposed for East Bright Avenue on the south side of the city.

Councilors rejected the plan for now, calling for improvements in safety logistics planning.

Syracuse University energy conversion professor Benjamin Akih says with lithium-ion battery storage, the threat of extreme thermal runaway becomes much more dangerous. 

“The different kinds of compounds … produce toxic byproducts of combustion that could be hazardous, for humans,” Akih said. 

A battery fire in the North Country in 2023 shows why the EPA warns of the health risks that can impact firefighters and neighbors from battery fires. 

Syracuse Fire Chief Michael Monds noted that proposed contractor New Leaf Energy has some work to do in its safety plan. 

“The messaging throughout the state is clear: it’s not rejecting this technology,” Monds said. “It’s making sure we get the safety standards right before we engage in these large-scale installations.”

Once they do determine a plan the Common Council supports, Akih says BESSes can help governments save money and power hundreds of homes. 

“These systems allow you to spread out and choose when you have to use energy,” Akih said.

New Leaf Energy-modeled BESSes are already in place in places throughout the state, such as Westchester and New York City. The standard 20-foot BESS structures absorb solar, and, in some cases, wind energy to recycle for use at times with higher energy demand. 

Cmmon Councilor Chol Majok said he supports Syracuse joining those cities by installing BESSes in the future.

“Fossil fuel,” Majok said, “I don’t want (Syracuse to) get left behind with that.” 

As New York’s energy grid becomes more environmentally friendly, city governments are sparking debates about the pros and cons of solar-based battery energy storage. 

The Syracuse Common Council rejected, for now, a plan to install two energy storage systems, also called BESSes, during a meeting on Friday.

The system was proposed for East Bright Avenue on the south side of the city.

Councilors rejected the plan for now, calling for improvements in safety logistics planning.

Syracuse University energy conversion professor Benjamin Akih says with lithium-ion battery storage, the threat of extreme thermal runaway becomes much more dangerous. 

“The different kinds of compounds … produce toxic byproducts of combustion that could be hazardous, for humans,” Akih said. 

A battery fire in the North Country in 2023 shows why the EPA warns of the health risks that can impact firefighters and neighbors from battery fires. 

Syracuse Fire Chief Michael Monds noted that proposed contractor New Leaf Energy has some work to do in its safety plan. 

“The messaging throughout the state is clear: it’s not rejecting this technology,” Monds said. “It’s making sure we get the safety standards right before we engage in these large-scale installations.”

Once they do determine a plan the Common Council supports, Akih says BESSes can help governments save money and power hundreds of homes. 

“These systems allow you to spread out and choose when you have to use energy,” Akih said.

New Leaf Energy-modeled BESSes are already in place in places throughout the state, such as Westchester and New York City. The standard 20-foot BESS structures absorb solar, and, in some cases, wind energy to recycle for use at times with higher energy demand. 

Cmmon Councilor Chol Majok said he supports Syracuse joining those cities by installing BESSes in the future.

“Fossil fuel,” Majok said, “I don’t want (Syracuse to) get left behind with that.”