Free Zoom Information Session on Battery Energy Storage System
Wednesday, July 2 at 7 p.m.; UlsterCleanEnergy.com Now Live
TOWN OF ULSTER, N.Y. (June 26, 2025) – Terra-Gen, which is proposing to construct a Battery Energy Storage System at 430 Hurley Ave. in the Town of Ulster, will host a series of community presentations to explain the project, its extensive safety and health components and wide-ranging benefits. Terra-Gen also has launched a comprehensive website, UlsterCleanEnergy.com, and a Facebook page, facebook.com/TerraGenTownOfUlster, that provides in-depth, accurate information about the proposal.
The first community presentation, via Zoom, will be at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2. Registration is suggested; please visit UlsterCleanEnergy.com and click on the link in the green box on the home page. Join the Zoom here: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84223037795?pwd=SnA2LWvNXJiuI10gBPqvUWCdrNlVL7.1 This will be the first of several presentations as the project proceeds through review by the Town of Ulster and New York State. Questions submitted in advance are welcomed by emailing info@ulstercleanenergy.com.
“Terra-Gen strongly believes in being a responsible and involved corporate partner, neighbor and friend. Terra-Gen built-and-managed BESS units, with the most advanced technology, are proven to be safe and reliable,” said Mark Turner, Terra-Gen Vice President – Head of Energy Storage Development, who will lead the presentation. “This community event is designed to inform and educate while explaining the proposal’s benefits and how cutting-edge health and safety technology – far more protective than historic iterations – offer substantially increased reassurances for the community.”
Terra-Gen, a company that specializes in storing energy in batteries that tie into power grids, seeks to construct the battery energy storage system (BESS) on 15 acres at the former site of John A. Coleman Catholic High School, which closed in 2019. This location is adjacent to Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.’s Hurley Substation.
The 250-megawatt lithium-ion BESS is designed to supply electricity to more than 250,000 homes and businesses for four hours. When power is abundant, the batteries store electricity from the grid. When the power demand is high, or there is not enough electricity production, stored electricity returns to the grid. The project will provide reliability and resiliency for the grid. In addition, the recent heat wave, related power outages and calls for energy conservation further demonstrate the importance of BESS energy storage and availability.
Terra-Gen built-and-managed BESS units, which are contemporary modular enclosures, are safe. They have caused no harm to neighbors, businesses, the public or the environment. Multiple government studies of air, water and soil after BESS incidents have consistently found no air or water contamination exceeding public health thresholds. BESS facilities are well established in the United States and Terra-Gen operates seven facilities.
New battery models are tested and certified to ensure a failure will not cascade beyond a single battery enclosure. Battery energy storage centers comply with all 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 currently are more strict than the New York State fire code.
Terra-Gen also invests in community relationships. It hires expert firefighters to lead training for first responders and coordinates with fire departments on safety and emergency response plans. Terra-Gen already has met with local fire departments, and conversations that will play a key role in the environmental review process will continue. In addition, Terra-Gen fire experts were a key voice in New York State’s Inter-Agency Fire Safety Group that recommended upgraded safety precautions. Terra-Gen, as a leader in the industry, has already implemented these recommendations.
The new website, UlsterCleanEnergy.com, is an in-depth 24/7 resource that provides details about the proposal, renderings, safety and health information, how BESS units operate, a fact sheet and frequently asked questions. It also offers a form to submit questions and comments.
“Terra-Gen looks forward to continually engaging with the community and showing how this BESS proposal can safely benefit the region,” Turner said.