Calistoga Transitions to Clean Energy Backup System to Combat Wildfire Risks

CALISTOGA, Calif. – Residents of this charming tourist town located at the northern edge of Napa Valley are constantly aware of the wildfire threat. The hills surrounding Calistoga bear scars from a 2020 fire that necessitated a full evacuation of the town, as well as the 2017 Tubbs fire that tragically claimed 22 lives in the region, beginning just a short distance from downtown.

In the past, when fire danger prompted the shutdown of transmission lines that could spark a blaze, Calistoga relied on a bank of diesel generators situated in a popular recreational area. These generators emitted noxious diesel exhaust and operated so loudly that they deterred visitors.

However, Calistoga is now transitioning to an innovative system that combines two clean energy technologies: hydrogen fuel cells and batteries. This new setup will provide enough power to sustain the city for approximately two days during emergencies. Experts believe this technology not only serves as a clean backup power source but could also help stabilize the electric grid year-round.

As the system underwent final testing in late May, in an area that includes a dog park, ball fields, a community garden, and a bike trail, residents expressed gratitude for the assurance of clean energy throughout the year. Lisa Gift, a resident and city council member, noted that Calistoga is already facing the impacts of climate change, which is causing more frequent and intense wildfires. “Continuing to depend on fossil fuels was simply not sustainable,” Gift stated. “That’s what excited me about this. It’s a clean and reliable energy solution that ensures the safety and resilience of our community.”

The new facility, built by Energy Vault, a California-based energy storage company, was set to go online in early June. Once its application for full grid connection is approved, it could begin exporting power as needed.

The installation is located next to where Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) previously deployed nine mobile generators each year from late spring through fall. Behind a chain-link fence, six hydrogen fuel cells manufactured by Plug Power in New York stand two stories tall. During an exclusive tour by The Associated Press, water vapor could be seen wafting from one of the fuel cells being tested. Shipping containers house two pairs of Energy Vault’s lithium-ion batteries, while a massive, double-walled steel tank, encased by a cinder block wall, holds 80,000 gallons (302,833 liters) of extremely cold liquid hydrogen, which is converted to gas for fueling the cells.

California utilities, especially PG&E, have faced significant financial settlements related to igniting wildfires. To mitigate fire risks, PG&E began implementing power shutoffs in 2018, which was one of the state’s deadliest wildfire years. During these shutoff periods, they deliver diesel generators to about a dozen towns for backup power.

Calistoga, which has a population of around 5,000, has experienced power outages ten times. The diesel generators that operated during these outages released harmful nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, and soot. While PG&E considered replacing Calistoga’s diesel generators with a less polluting natural gas version, they ultimately chose Energy Vault’s fully clean alternative, according to Dave Canny, PG&E’s vice president for the North Coast Region.

Energy Vault’s CEO, Robert Piconi, highlighted that other communities, military bases, and data centers could benefit from similar systems. He stated, “There’s a massive proof point with this project,” adding that it could influence perceptions of alternative, sustainable solutions. Plug Power, the fuel cell manufacturer, envisions these types of products becoming their primary focus in the next decade. Energy Vault plans to utilize clean hydrogen produced with minimal or zero greenhouse gas emissions to operate the fuel cells in Calistoga.

“This solution is just beautiful,” remarked Janice Lin, founder and president of the Green Hydrogen Coalition, a nonprofit advocating for green hydrogen initiatives to combat climate change. “No noise, no emissions. And it’s renewable. It’s dumping diesel.”

Calistoga, known for its local shops, restaurants, tasting rooms, and art galleries, maintains a small-town charm, distinguishing it from the more upscale areas of Napa Valley. Initially, some residents expressed concerns about the hydrogen, as it is flammable and can be explosive. Fire Chief Jed Matcham acknowledged that the “very, very large tank” raised some eyebrows, but he has collaborated with Energy Vault on emergency planning and training, and now feels confident in the safety measures implemented.

When PG&E next shuts off power to the area to prevent wildfires, they will notify Energy Vault when it is safe to restore electricity to Calistoga. The batteries will quickly restore power to the local microgrid, and the hydrogen fuel cells will take over to provide a steady power supply for an extended period. The system is designed to work in tandem, akin to the operation of a hybrid vehicle, ensuring the lights stay on for approximately 48 hours or longer.

Clive Richardson, owner of the Calistoga Roastery, shared that residents grow anxious when strong winds arise, as they can lead to power outages. He understands the impact of losing power on his business and views the new clean emergency power system as a significant improvement. “This will give us far more security than we had before,” he said. “It’s fantastic that it’s come. Here we are, little ol’ Calistoga, and we’ve got the first-of-a-kind system that hopefully will be endorsed and proliferate globally.”