Islip, a town in Long Island, has voted to permanently ban BESS facilities, blocking a proposed project from moving forward.
An official suspension of the facilities was already in place but the residents wanted to take their decision one step further, so they organised a public hearing which ultimately enabled the indefinite ban.
The ban involves the basis that it would be a struggle to put out any fires of the facility – BESS uses lithium-ion batteries, which are incredibly difficult to extinguish. Dry chemical and CO₂ can remove visible flames but don’t provide sufficient cooling to interrupt thermal runaway, meaning re-ignition can occur.
Many BESS fires are left to burn out due to lack of other efficient options and in close proximity to a town during dry summer months.
Local fire officials were on board with the ban, stating that their volunteers would not be able to handle a large scale lithium-ion fire.
Melissa Parrott, executive director for Renewable Energy Long Island, told the board “Each of those batteries are stored within smaller sections, so if there is any fire, they are contained.”
Key Capture Energy, the company behind the proposal, said it remains willing to work with the town and residents to address concerns.
Copyright © 2026 Energy Live News LtdELN