The California Public Utilities Commission has put out new guidelines for battery energy storage facilities in the wake of the recent incident at Vistra Corporation’s Moss Landing Power Plant and Energy Storage Facility.
For the nascent lithium-ion battery sector, one supervisor called the fire a “Three Mile Island” incident. In reaction to the Moss Landing fire, Monterey County supervisors proclaimed a state of emergency one week ago.
Soon after the occurrence, the scientists examined soil samples as part of long-term monitoring at the slough. The fire and its closeness to the delicate wetlands area have sparked environmental concerns.
Following the Vistra fire, scientists reported finding higher quantities of heavy metals at the Elkhorn Slough Reserve.
The CPUC said in a statement released on Monday that it had sent its Safety and Enforcement Division to the Moss Landing site last Wednesday in order to look into the fire that occurred on January 16 and continued for several days, causing evacuations and raising concerns about the quality of the air.
A 2024 state law requiring facility owners and operators to develop emergency response action plans in coordination with local agencies is in question, as is its sufficiency and implementation.
According to the CPUC, if the commission approves the proposal at its meeting on March 13, it will enhance oversight of emergency reaction action plans and establish new guidelines for the upkeep and operation of battery facilities.
Hundreds of lithium-ion batteries are arranged in tidy arrays within a fenced-in space and stacked on racks in cargo containers to form battery energy storage systems. All day long, electricity is produced by solar and wind systems. However, these battery storage units continue to provide power as people run dishwashers and prepare dinner after the sun sets and the wind subsides.
Governor Gavin Newsom’s goal of having all of California’s electricity come from carbon-free sources by 2045 depends heavily on the infrastructure.
The use of battery storage devices has increased dramatically during the last few years.
California’s battery storage capacity now exceeds 20% of its peak demand, according to the CPUC. By 2024, battery storage systems will have a statewide power capacity of about 13,300 megawatts, up from 500 megawatts in 2019.
By 2045, the state is expected to require 52,000 megawatts of battery storage capacity. Over 7,000 megawatts were brought online in 2024 alone, the most in a single year in California history.
In 2024, Corby Energy, a NextEra Energy Resources subsidiary, requested a permit for a new BESS next to the PG&E Vacaville-Dixon substation; however, the Solano County Board of Supervisors put the project on hold. It was carried out in response to public criticism following a fire at San Diego County’s Valley Center Energy Storage Facility in 2023. Matthew Davis, a spokesman for Solano County, said that moratorium remains in place.
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.