Americans Show Overwhelmingly to Support BESS and Minority Who Oppose it are Driven by Misinformation and Lack of Knowledge

Despite ongoing industry challenges and uncertainty of renewables in the United States (U.S.), a massive 71% of Americans support Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) sites in their local community. This is according to a new report from Firetrace International, ‘Unlocking public support for BESS‘, that surveyed nearly 4,000 citizens across the U.S. to gauge their attitudes towards this pivotal technology for the renewable energy transition.   

The ‘overwhelming’ support of BESS is perhaps contrary to the perception seen in the media and from Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs). This minority group of opposition (29% of U.S. citizens) has influenced nine separate BESS projects, leading to plans to be rejected or delayed over the last year for fire safety concerns.  However, the survey has found that a lack of knowledge is driving opposition, as the majority (52%) of people who oppose BESS have not encountered any information on BESS projects at all. Misinformation – often fuelled by isolated, high-profile BESS fires – has also been a significant contributor to community opposition, and it must be counteracted. Developers and councils looking to secure reliable, clean energy within communities must engage this group to drive further growth of BESS across the U.S.

Winning Support: Focus on cost savings, reliable power and job creation 

To win over local communities, and calm opposition, developers must focus on educating citizens on the benefits of such projects. The survey found that most U.S. citizens (52%) would be more comfortable with a BESS site if they had a clear “understanding of the benefits” of BESS projects.

When asked what benefits would make them more comfortable with a BESS site, a staggering 70% of citizens said they would if it created cheaper electricity bills, and 68% if it ensured reliable power. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of citizens would also support a BESS site if it led to more local jobs and economic benefits. 

Going forward, developers will need to clearly communicate the advantages of BESS sites to local citizens and opposition groups; otherwise, more projects will be delayed or cancelled. 

Addressing environmental and safety concerns with transparency  

Environmental and safety concerns are another big driver behind local opposition to BESS sites. Almost half of local citizens (47%) said they would oppose a BESS project if it impacted the local environment, while 40% said due to concerns over toxic leaks and 38% over fire/safety risks. 

The survey found that these concerns should be addressed with greater transparency, 48% said they would be more comfortable with a BESS site if they had a clear understanding around the impact on the environment and 47% on safety measures. 

Shifting public opinion by reducing fire risks 

Taking steps to reduce fire risks at BESS sites is essential to boosting local support and winning over opponents. The survey shows that two-thirds (66%) of US citizens would be more likely to support a BESS project if “fire suppression systems are installed – capable of suppressing a fire within a few seconds”. 

Notably, the survey highlights that installing fire suppression at BESS sites is critical to shifting support. Almost a third (31%) of U.S. citizens who oppose BESS sites said they are more likely to back a project if fire suppression was installed from the outset. This figure is representative of almost ten percent of U.S. citizens who would ‘swing’ to support BESS at the all-important consultation / planning approval phase.  

Joe DeBellis, Global Head of Clean Energy Sector at Firetrace International, said: “There is clearly widespread public support for BESS projects in the U.S., which is very encouraging for the renewable energy transition. But developers often face opposition from an increasingly passionate and vocal group of local citizens that is being fuelled by misinformation and a lack of understanding - leading to critically important projects being delayed or cancelled.”

“Our survey shows a clear mandate for the industry. It simply must tackle this head-on by clearly explaining the benefits of BESS sites, as well as addressing environmental and safety concerns to citizens and opposition groups. The public has asked for transparency, and we must respond.  By taking these steps, the industry can shift public opinion and secure planning permission for BESS sites that are ultimately essential to keeping the renewable energy transition on track.” 

Firetrace | https://www.firetrace.com/