Letter: Protecting Dubois County from Battery Energy Storage System hazards

ByLetter to the Editor Reading Time: 3 minutes

I am writing to urge Dubois County residents to educate themselves about the significant risks and costs associated with the AES Crossvine Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) proposed near the Southwest Dubois County School Corporation schools. The safety and well-being of our children and community must be our highest priority, and the placement of this facility so close to our schools raises serious and immediate concerns.

AES Crossvine BESS Project: Community Impact

The planned AES Crossvine BESS would be located alarmingly close to several schools in Southwest Dubois County. If installed, this facility could expose students and staff to dangerous hazards and force the community to shoulder increased financial burdens for decades.

BESS Fire Hazards and Ratepayer Costs

Battery Energy Storage Systems, especially those using lithium-ion technology, are prone to fires that can be extremely difficult to extinguish and may release toxic fumes. Such incidents are not rare. For example, AES and its partner Fluence have experienced multiple BESS fire events nationwide. In Chandler, Arizona, an AES/Fluence BESS fire led to a three-day evacuation of the area. In Liverpool, New York, another BESS fire forced a week-long evacuation, underscoring the prolonged disruption these facilities can cause.

In addition to these safety hazards, BESS projects often result in increased costs for ratepayers. Indiana families may see their utility bills rise as utility companies pass on the expenses of constructing, operating, and maintaining these complex systems.

Evacuation Risks for Local Schools

The proximity of the Crossvine BESS to our schools means that any fire or malfunction could require rapid evacuation of hundreds of students and staff, with little warning and limited time for response. The danger is not theoretical: past incidents have shown that BESS fires can escalate quickly, and evacuations may last days or even weeks, disrupting education and endangering lives.

BESS Fires Are Not Rare: AES/Fluence Incident Examples

  • Chandler, AZ (2022): AES/Fluence BESS fire resulted in a three-day evacuation of nearby residents.
  • Liverpool, NY (2023): AES/Fluence BESS fire led to a week-long evacuation, with authorities struggling to contain the blaze.
  • Other incidents have occurred across the country, demonstrating the recurring nature of BESS fires and the difficulty of managing their consequences.

Long-Term Risks and Other Local Projects

The operational lifespan of these BESS facilities is typically 30 years, creating an extended window for potential failures, accidents, and emergencies. The risk is not only immediate but ongoing, affecting future generations of Dubois County residents.

Furthermore, the AES Crossvine facility is not the only BESS project proposed for our county. The CenterPoint Duff project and a BESS at the former Shamrock mine site which is west of the Greater Jasper Schools are also under consideration. We must not allow Dubois County to become a testing ground for hazardous energy storage systems.

Community Action: Demand a Ban on BESS Installations

I call on every concerned citizen to contact our county commissioners and state representatives to demand a ban on BESS installations in Dubois County. Our children’s safety, the stability of our schools, and the financial security of our families are at stake. We must act now to protect our community from unnecessary risks and burdens.

Let us stand together and ensure the safety and prosperity of Dubois County for generations to come.

Dave Duncan
A Concerned Dubois County Resident

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