Suffolk denies variance for proposed Holtsville battery plant, prompting lawsuit

A review board in Suffolk County has denied a variance request from Savion Energy for its proposed battery storage plant in Holtsville, citing that the requested storage of petroleum distillate and other hazardous liquids was 720% above allowable limits and posed a groundwater contamination risk. The denial prompted a lawsuit from Savion Energy on December 8th, arguing that Suffolk County used an incorrect law and failed to consider the project’s eligibility for lighter public utility review under New York State law.

Savion Energy intends the plant to store energy generated by projects on the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) grid, including renewable energy from Sunrise Wind, and claims the project’s containment design is adequate. However, Suffolk County expressed concern that approving the variance would set a precedent for similar facilities and increase the potential for groundwater contamination. The county suggested using natural ester oil instead of petroleum distillate, acknowledging this would cause delays and a 50% cost increase.

The project has already received a clearing permit and a negative environmental impact declaration from the Town of Brookhaven, and Savion argues that delays caused by the denial could terminate its interconnection agreements with LIPA and the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO).

(Source：Newsday)