The Town of Oyster Bay has continued its moratorium on lithium battery storage systems for the third consecutive time after the board unanimously approved extending the ban from April 30 until Oct. 30.
“We’ve continued to listen to the significant safety concerns raised during public hearings, and we will act on those concerns,” Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino said during the April 24 meeting. “It is our role to listen to all sides and make the best judgment decision that acts in the best interest of the public, environment, and our communities.”
Robert Ottaviano, a Glen Head resident and a 30-year volunteer firefighter, explained that fire departments across the North Shore are not equipped to fight potential fires from the systems.
“It’s very difficult to extinguish,” said Ottaviano. “I have not met a firefighter who disagreed with the position that, at this time, there are no protocols or procedures to make this safe.”
The county commission voted in favor of the town’s moratorium on April 10.
The moratorium was originally enacted in February 2024, effective April of last year. It was extended for another six months in October of 2024, which aimed to give the town additional time to assess the potential risks posed by these facilities, particularly fire hazards and environmental impacts, before making any long-term decisions.
The proposed Oyster Shore Energy Project by Jupiter Power, a 275-megawatt battery energy storage system, at the site of the current Global Energy facility on the corner of Glenwood Road and Shore Road has drawn substantial pushback from Glenwood Landing and Glen Head residents; who expressed serious concerns about safety, environmental impact, and the project’s proximity to homes, schools, and Hempstead Harbor.
Proponents of Battery Energy Storage Systems highlight their ability to reinforce the power grid, improve grid stability, and facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources while also offering backup power and potentially reducing costs for consumers.
During a town meeting on April 8 several residents from Roslyn, Glen Head, Sea Cliff, and other communities across the North Shore of Long Island raised a bevy of concerns about proposed lithium battery plants on Long Island.
