Battery storage allows for a safer future
Hans Detweiler, of Jupiter Power, talks about the Oyster Shores Emery Storage battery site in Sea Cliff on Dec. 10. Credit: Newsday/Mark Harrington
It is startling that battery storage plans are opposed as scientists have advised us to free ourselves from fossil fuels for decades [“Nassau battery storage proposal draws outrage,” News, Dec. 15].
When we burn them for energy, they release greenhouse gases that disrupt our once stable climate. Furthermore, Katharine Hayhoe, a climate scientist in Texas, reports that globally millions of people die prematurely from fossil fuel pollution. These dirty fuels are toxic.
To address this insidious problem, we have developed solar and wind energy. These renewables release no dangerous emissions, and the energy generated can be stored in large batteries. Long Island has plenty of sun and wind making it a perfect location for renewables.
Clean energy has advantages, including job creation, lower energy bills and less pollution. We must not fear the battery storage facilities. We have been using batteries in our cars, flashlights and children’s toys for ages.
Change can be difficult. It can be stressful for some. Folks need to inform themselves about the advantages of renewable energy with battery storage and smart electric grids. Together with electric vehicles and all electric buildings, we will live in a much quieter, cleaner and safer world.
— Karen C. Higgins, Massapequa Park
As a supporter of Brookhaven Town elected leaders, I appreciate their efforts to bring battery energy storage systems to our area [“Battery storage wars,” News, Dec. 9]. These facilities are sensible and cost-effective, lowering our energy costs and allowing us to close polluting peaker plants.
As a high-voltage electric engineer with 40 years’ experience, I can tell you that large battery storage systems are safe. I live with my family less than a mile from developer AES’ proposed Horseblock Energy Storage with no fear for our safety or property values.
I simply want to care for our planet while my grandchildren are growing up, so I can leave it to them whole and unharmed. You don’t have to be an environmentalist or a climate activist to share that nonpartisan view.
— Carlos Alicea, Medford
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