National Grid division scraps plans for six battery storage plants on Long Island
National Grid Ventures, a division of the London-based National Grid, has withdrawn plans for six battery storage plants across Long Island, despite ongoing collaboration with NextEra Energy Resources to upgrade a Montauk plant. This decision comes as the company focuses on other opportunities that better align with its business priorities.
Initially, National Grid Ventures had proposed battery plants in West Babylon, Southampton, Far Rockaway, Port Jefferson, Wading River, and Glenwood Landing, representing hundreds of megawatts of potential energy storage. However, the company has decided to prioritize other projects, citing market conditions and business opportunities.
The New York Independent System Operator had previously listed approximately 60 battery-storage facilities for Long Island by 2025, but this number has been reduced to 20. National Grid's withdrawal of plans is a common occurrence in the project pipeline, as the company explores alternative avenues.
National Grid Ventures' spokesman, Will Brunelle, confirmed that the company is not planning to develop any additional battery sites on Long Island, except for the two already operational on the South Fork. He emphasized that the other proposals were withdrawn in favor of more promising opportunities.
The technology behind battery storage plants is designed to store power in lithium-ion battery cells, which can stabilize the grid by discharging stored energy during peak demand. This is particularly useful when renewable energy sources like the South Fork Wind Farm produce excess energy, such as on windy winter nights. During peak summer hours, the batteries can discharge this stored energy, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply.
Despite concerns about safety, proponents, including Governor Kathy Hochul, argue that these systems are essential for grid stability. The technology is considered safe, and new state fire safety codes have been implemented to further enhance safety measures. Previous fires at facilities around the world, including one at the East Hampton plant, occurred before these new codes were in place, according to officials.
The Montauk Energy Storage Center, a battery storage plant in Montauk, has been operational since 2018 under a 20-year contract with LIPA, valued at $58 million. In 2024, LIPA spent $2.2 million to utilize the East Hampton facility during its six-month operational period, as part of a broader plan to fortify the South Fork with green power facilities.
