Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Advocacy
Battery storage is an essential component to the clean energy transition but faces enormous headwinds. S4CA meets with elected officials and hosts community events to address concerns, share information, and support responsible BESS development in New York State.
What is battery storage?
Battery energy storage systems (BESSs) are utility-scale facilities that store energy and dispatch it to the grid when demand rises. As more solar and wind projects are built, BESSs can ensure that the renewable energy produced by these sources is kept on the grid. They are heavily regulated, constantly monitored, and typically include fire suppression and safety mechanisms.
What are BESS moratoria?
Despite strong state regulations, safety measures, and industry best practices, some municipalities have enacted BESS moratoria that prevent battery storage facilities from being built in their communities. On Long Island, moratoria are currently active in Babylon, Hempstead, Huntington, Islip, North Hempstead, Oyster Bay, Smithtown, and Southold.
What is S4CA doing?
S4CA has spoken against BESS moratoria at several public hearings around Suffolk and Nassau counties. We've also met with stakeholders and hosted webinars to educate the public on BESS safety.
S4CA Deputy Executive Director Harrison Bench recently wrote an article that examines the legitimacy and legality of BESS moratoria. Read it at this link!
2026 Long Island BESS Bowl
The Long Island BESS Bowl is a Hackathon-style case competition for high schoolers organized by Students for Climate Action (S4CA) with support from the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund (NYLCVEF). Teams of students will compete to solve real-world problems in battery storage and renewable energy development – by researching, strategizing, and presenting their innovative solutions to a panel of expert judges.
Registration for the 2026 competition will open in early September. There will be a virtual preliminary round held later that month, and two in-person rounds held in October. Finalists will be selected and awarded prize money at the conclusion of the final round.
To stay updated, please fill out our BESS Bowl Interest Form: https://forms.gle/kkhJ5nbdf51S8Bx9A
