SHERBURNE — The Sherburne Fire Department was packed with local residents for Wednesday’s public hearing to extend the moratorium on battery energy storage systems.

Two representatives from the clean energy company NexAmp were in attendance, and the crowd made their questions and concerns known.

The public hearing was called to order at 7:28 p.m. Town of Sherburne Supervisor Charles Mastro explained that the purpose of the public hearing was to extend a previously passed moratorium on battery storage systems for an additional six months.

The town is working to pass a battery storage law that would protect town residents and their interests if NexAmp goes forward with its $60 million project to install a battery storage facility on Knapp Road in Sherburne.

NexAmp Energy Storage Business Development Manager Michael DeAngelo and Dan Murray of Energy Safety Response Group attended the meeting to answer questions from the public and outline the proposed plan.

Originally, NexAmp had proposed building a 13-unit battery storage facility on Knapp Road. Wednesday night, DeAngelo said the plan is now for 26 units. The 40-megawatt facility would be larger than any the company currently has in operation, however DeAngelo said larger ones have been proposed in other areas.

Residents questioned the safety of the facility, citing reports that toxic fumes are released if the structures catch fire, something that has happened in other locations. DeAngelo said the fumes are no different than a house fire.

Sherburne firefighter Chris Thompson challenged that claim, saying fires involving battery systems can produce hydrogen fluoride and hydrogen cyanide.

Murray pushed back while admitting that those toxins are possible, he said well-made batteries have management systems built in that shut them down if there is an issue internally.

“Outside of commercial airplanes, this is the most regulated and scrutinized product on the market. They have built-in systems that are monitored 24-7. If there’s a problem, they shut down,” Murray said.

Murray said there were three battery storage fires in New York in 2023, but pointed to outdated systems and inferior manufacturers as the reason.

One resident questioned why the developer would pick Sherburne for this project, knowing about the protected waterways in the area and the agricultural community.

“It was picked due to the proximity of the location to the NYSEG substation and our relationship with the landowner,” DeAngelo said.

The proposed site of the facility has already been leased by NexAmp for the next 25 years.

Community members questioned how this project would benefit the Sherburne community and were told there would be financial benefits.

“We’re worried about lives,” a community member responded.

Mastro asked if other kinds of batteries were being considered for the project.

“We are considering a ban on lithium-ion batteries because we believe there are safer alternatives,” Mastro said.

The crowd applauded that comment.

DeAngelo said lithium-ion batteries are the most feasible option right now.

Village of Sherburne Mayor William Acee said he believes the technology is still dangerous.

“Some technologies stay and some go. Down the road, there will probably be something better. If it wasn’t for the energy policy of New York State, this project wouldn’t be happening. Down the road, I think there will be other technology that will be cleaner and safer than this,” Acee said.

Acee also mentioned incentives that companies like NexAmp are getting for pursuing these projects.

“These are our tax dollars. You are making money off our tax credits,” he said.

DeAngelo said NexAmp does not receive direct money from New York state for the project, but said the company does receive support through NYSERDA programs and federal tax credits.

“The tax credits are what makes this feasible,” Acee replied.

“The driving factor here is money and greed by companies and their backers,” Thompson said. “The best thing we can do as a town is to make this so financially unattractive that they walk away.”

Mastro reminded the public that the town is not able to simply say no to this project.

“Our goal is to pass a law that is the most restrictive we can make it,” Mastro said.

DeAngelo said the project is still in a very early state. The company is submitting an interconnect agreement with NYSEG to determine if it can connect to NYSEG’s lines at the substation. If for some reason that is not possible, the plan would not move forward.

NexAmp’s proposed system would allow batteries to be charged by NYSEG’s system during nonpeak energy usage times and then sell the energy back to NYSEG during peak hours.

The public hearing was closed at 8:56 p.m. The town board voted to extend the battery storage moratorium for an additional six months.

Mastro said he expects the town board will be ready to approve the battery storage law by November.