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Is battery storage the new data center? Why towns across the U.S. are banning them
Safety concerns over hard-to-extinguish fires and evacuations are driving bans as battery storage and solar are expected to supply over 80% of new capacity.
- More than 50 municipalities across the United States have implemented bans or moratoriums on battery energy storage systems according to public records, with restrictions spanning at least 10 states.
- Safety concerns drive restrictions as BESS facilities can spark fires that are extremely difficult to extinguish and may reignite hours or days later. Incidents occurred in Monterey County, California, San Diego, and Warwick, New York.
- NYSERDA implemented strict construction requirements including peer reviews, enhanced inspections, and qualified representatives available within 15 minutes for emergencies. Facilities must include explosion protection and 72-hour video monitoring features.
- New York leads the nation in restrictions, yet NYISO warned in April that power resources available to meet summer peak demand are at a historically low margin, requiring accelerated grid development.
- The Energy Information Administration expects over 80% of new electric generation capacity this year to come from battery storage and solar. Developers added more than 40 gigawatts over five years, with 24 gigawatts expected in 2026.
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