Safety and Community Well-Being at Core of Terra-Gen’s Proposed Battery Energy Storage System in Town of Ulster
For nearly two decades, Terra-Gen has developed, built and operated energy projects that benefit communities and future generations. Our proposed 250-MW battery energy storage systems (BESS) at the former John A. Coleman Catholic High School site in the Town of Ulster will be no exception. Community safety and well-being remain our top priority.
We value the community’s input and have carefully considered residents’ concerns. When built to New York’s strict fire codes and using advanced technology, BESS facilities are safe and pose no science-based risks to public health or the environment.
These assurances are grounded in:
- Extensive fire testing of BESS units before installation, mandated by New York State’s Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, ensuring that the credible fire risk is does not propagate beyond a single enclosure.
- Independent studies following BESS incidents elsewhere have shown community evacuation was unnecessary.
- State reviews of prior incidents found no risk to air, soil or water and revealed no health threats.
Independent voices also confirm the technology’s safety:
- EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin highlighted national protocols, which Terra-Gen’s observes fully (UlsterCleanEnergy.com).
- Terra-Gen has adopted New York’s updated safety, technology and equipment standards that will take effect Jan. 1, 2026, and follows the even stricter National Fire Protection Association 855 standards.
- New York updated fire code was applauded by fire safety leaders who said, “We are here to say clearly and confidently: Battery energy storage systems, when installed and operated under New York’s rigorous and updated safety standards, are safe.”
- New York’s Energy Research and Development Authority asserts: “New York’s codes are among the highest standards internationally and are designed to reduce risk while ensuring that in the rare case a fire does happen, it is contained and does not pose a threat.”
- New York Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha and State Sen. Michelle Hinchey have also stated that BESS systems can be operated safely.
- The Electric Power Research Institute reported that BESS incidents worldwide dropped 97% from 2018-2023 thanks to advancing technology and standards.
- A Fire & Risk Alliance report for the American Clean Power Association confirmed that “The implementation of robust national codes and design advancements have significantly improved fire safety and reduced risks.”
Terra-Gen also supports the Ulster Town Board’s “positive declaration” under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). Terra-Gen is confident that a comprehensive scientific review process will fully support that this BESS can be built and operated safely, with no health impacts on the community.
Terra-Gen will develop a Town of Ulster BESS emergency response plan in close coordination with local first responders, who have been part of the planning process along the way. I encourage residents to learn more about our project and commitment to safety and our communities at UlsterCleanEnergy.com.
Mark Turner is Terra-Gen’s vice president – head of energy storage development.