Duxbury residents speak out over proposed 'battery farm' in residential neighborhood

"According to residents, the signs began popping up a few weeks ago when word began to spread that developers, New Leaf Energy, were moving forward in their plans to construct a 5-megawatt battery storage facility behind a residential neighborhood on West Street. Duxbury had already rejected the project twice, beginning in 2023. But in June, the Massachusetts Land Court overturned the town's decision, citing the Dover Amendment - a law that protects facilities related to solar energy collection from unreasonable restriction."

"While the proposed storage facility won't have solar panels, it will store energy generated by solar sources elsewhere. As the appeal process continues, New Leaf Energy is back in the town asking for easement access to the 5.8-acre site. After notifications went out, residents began investigating the project, and concerns over safety and questions about the facility's placement next to a residential neighborhood began to bubble up."

"Bright yellow signs reading "Stop Lithium Battery Farms in Residential Zones" dot driveways, front lawns, and trees in the neighborhoods of suburban Duxbury on the South Shore. According to residents, the signs began popping up a few weeks ago when word began to spread that developers, New Leaf Energy, were moving forward in their plans to construct a 5-megawatt battery storage facility behind a residential neighborhood on West Street. Duxbury had already rejected the project twice, beginning in 2023."

New Leaf Energy plans a 5-megawatt battery storage facility on a 5.8-acre site behind a residential neighborhood on West Street in Duxbury. The town rejected the project twice beginning in 2023, but the Massachusetts Land Court overturned the town's decision in June under the Dover Amendment. The facility would store energy generated by solar sources and aim to participate in the state Clean Peak Energy Standard program. Residents have posted bright yellow signs, organized text chains, and raised safety and placement concerns after many abutters said they lacked notification. New Leaf is seeking easement access while appeals continue.

Read at Boston.com