Islip Town Board bans large-scale battery storage projects
Fire officials from the Hauppauge Fire District urged the board to enact the ban, warning that their volunteer department is not equipped to handle a large-scale lithium-ion battery fire.
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The Islip Town Board voted Tuesday to ban battery energy storage facilities, blocking the proposed project in Hauppauge from moving forward under the current rules.
A moratorium against the facilities was previously in place. The decision to enact a ban followed a public hearing where residents, first responders and representatives of the battery storage industry debated the project’s potential risks and benefits.
Fire officials from the Hauppauge Fire District urged the board to enact the ban, warning that their volunteer department is not equipped to handle a large-scale lithium-ion battery fire.
“You cannot put out the fire with water,” Hauppauge Fire Chief Nicholas Mendola said. “These cells have to burn out.”
The battery storage facility proposed for 220 Rabro Drive dates back to 2024 and has drawn concerns from residents over its proximity to homes, businesses and an elementary school.
Supporters of battery energy storage argued the technology is part of the transition to renewable energy. Melissa Parrott, executive director for Renewable Energy Long Island, told the board that newer technology is designed to contain fires within smaller sections of the battery facility.
“Each of those batteries are stored within smaller sections, so if there is any fire, they are contained,” Parrott said.
Despite the board’s unanimous vote, some residents say they expect the debate to continue.
Tara Vasquez, a Hauppauge resident who works in construction, said she does not believe developers will give up on the project easily.
“I just don’t feel like this is over,” Vasquez said. “Developers don’t tend to go down without a fight.”
Key Capture Energy, which proposed the facility with LIPA, said the board’s decision could have broader implications for Long Island’s electric grid.
The company said battery storage is safe and that banning utility-scale facilities could lead to more expensive alternatives as electricity demand grows. Key Capture Energy said it remains willing to work with the town and residents to address concerns.
The Town of Islip tells News 12 the ban is indefinite.
