Energy Storage Safety Developments Following Moss Landing Incident

NenPower • February 22, 2025 4:41 am • News • 0 views

Energy Storage Safety Update – February 20, 2025

To follow up on last week’s initial communication regarding the Moss Landing incident, I would like to provide a summary of the developments that have occurred over the past week.

Meeting with Governor Newsom’s Representative

Yesterday, we convened with Grant Mack, Deputy Legislative Secretary to Governor Newsom. He underscored the critical need for the industry to enhance public education surrounding battery storage and safety, particularly in light of the Moss Landing incident. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of fostering community engagement in the regulatory process following this event.

During our discussion, we emphasized the necessity for local jurisdictions to adopt more uniform permitting standards. We recognized that proposing a bill for a statewide process or enforcing a model code for local jurisdictions would likely encounter significant hurdles in the current legislative climate. We sought the Administration’s support in disseminating accurate information regarding energy storage safety and urged them to leverage their influence to prevent moratoriums and unreasonable permitting restrictions. Moreover, we shared our conversations with GO-BIZ about updating the storage permitting guidebook to incorporate front-of-meter facilities, which would promote more standardized processes.

A vital takeaway from the Moss Landing incident is that the air, water, and soil analyses conducted thus far have revealed no environmental or public health concerns, despite it being the largest battery storage fire in U.S. history. In the event of any future incidents, the impact would be significantly reduced, as less than one percent of Moss Landing’s energy storage capacity would be at risk due to the industry’s shift from building-based to containerized battery storage projects.

Monterey Press Briefing

At the Wednesday press briefing held by Monterey County, officials reported a flare-up at the Moss Landing site. Eric Sandusky from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) noted that PM 2.5 readings remain normal. While airborne heavy metal sampling is ongoing, results are pending as laboratory analysis is required. He explained that the U.S. EPA is collaborating with Vistra to begin disconnecting the batteries to lower the rack-level voltage, thereby reducing the risk of further flare-ups.

News Summary

Although the fire at Moss Landing occurred on January 17, 2025, it continues to garner attention from various media outlets across California. Coverage has primarily focused on: