By Mark Turner
New York State is mandating 6 gigawatts of energy storage – about 20% of state’s peak electricity requirements – by 2030 to strengthen the electricity grid and replace fossil-fuel use.
Electricity demand is increasing due to high-tech, artificial-intelligence projects and data centers. Meanwhile, fossil-fuel power plants in the State are near retirement age. In New York, new power sources haven’t kept pace and grid reliability is declining, according to the New York State Independent System Operator, which manages the grid.
In addition, the recent heat wave, related power outages and calls for energy conservation further demonstrate the need to increase the energy infrastructure, including battery energy storage systems (BESS).
Terra-Gen’s proposed BESS facility at 430 Hurley Ave., the closed John A. Coleman Catholic High School property, would connect to Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.’s Hurley Substation. Terra-Gen, an industry leader, would power 250,000 homes for four hours and adhere to the highest standards for safety, technology and equipment. When power is abundant, the batteries store electricity from the grid. When power demand is high, or electricity production is insufficient, stored electricity returns to the grid.
Terra-Gen invites the community to several presentations explaining the project and its extensive health and safety components. The first Zoom is at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2. Visit https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84223037795?pwd=SnA2LWvNXJiuI10gBPqvUWCdrNlVL7.1. Please submit questions in advance by emailing info@ulstercleanenergy.com and learn more at UlsterCleanEnergy.com.
BESS facilities are well established in the United States; Terra-Gen operates seven facilities. They comply with local and state regulations as well as Underwriter Laboratories, National Electric Code and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. Terra-Gen will design and build the proposed facility to NFPA 855 standards, which are more strict than New York State’s fire code.
Terra-Gen has a strong safety and health record and incorporates the most advanced safe, reliable technology. There has been no harm to neighbors, businesses, the public or environment from Terra-Gen built-and-managed BESS modular-enclosure units. Multiple government studies of air, water and soil after BESS incidents elsewhere have consistently found no air or water contamination exceeding public health thresholds.
They’re safe because the newest battery models, tested and certified to ensure a failure will not go beyond a single battery enclosure, provide vastly superior protection historic configurations cannot. Industry-wide, incidents from 2018-2023 dropped 97% due to upgraded technology and stricter standards, according to the Electric Power Research Institute.
Terra-Gen also invests in community relationships and preparedness. It hires expert firefighters to lead training for first responders and coordinates with fire departments on safety and emergency response plans. Terra-Gen has met with local fire departments; ongoing conversations continue to play a key role in environmental reviews. In addition, Terra-Gen fire experts were a key voice in New York State’s Inter-Agency Fire Safety Group, which recommended upgraded safety precautions.
Terra-Gen strongly believes in being a responsible neighbor. The project will create construction jobs. In addition, ongoing payments to the Town of Ulster, Kingston schools, Ulster County and fire districts are under consideration.
The Town of Ulster will consider Terra-Gen’s special-use permit application and site-plan request. On the state level, Terra-Gen will apply to the Energy Research and Development Authority and Public Service Commission. The Department of Environmental Conservation will review as well.
Terra-Gen looks forward to the review process and community engagement. Learn more at UlsterCleanEnergy.com.
Mark Turner is Terra-Gen’s vice president – head of energy storage development.