Opposition Grows Against Proposed Lithium Battery Plant in California

Categories: California Business NewsCalifornia News

Residents are concerned about the safety of a proposed lithium battery storage plant in the California community.

News Summary

Residents in Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, and San Juan Capistrano are voicing strong concerns over a proposed lithium battery storage facility near Saddleback College. The planned 250-megawatt project by Compass Energy Storage has sparked fears regarding safety, especially related to potential wildfire hazards. The local community feels disregarded following the church’s decision to proceed with the project without adequate engagement. With increasing alarm over the risks of lithium battery fires and local regulations being established for battery storage, there remains a call for public dialogue and safety assessments as discussions move forward.

California residents in Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, and San Juan Capistrano are expressing strong opposition to a proposed lithium battery storage plant near Saddleback College. The project, aimed to be developed by Compass Energy Storage, is planned to be a 250-megawatt battery energy storage system situated on 13 acres of land purchased from Saddleback Church. The location is strategically placed adjacent to the 5 Freeway and Camino Capistrano, further prompting concerns from the community.

Local residents have raised alarms over the suitability of the site, voicing fears over potential safety hazards, particularly in the event of wildfires. This concern is heightened given the facility’s location at the base of a hill, where smoke and toxins could disperse in the event of a fire. Past incidents, including a fire at a lithium-ion battery storage facility in Northern California, have resulted in significant evacuations, showcasing the risks related to such storage plants.

The opposition is not only rooted in safety concerns; community sentiment has been compounded by disappointment toward the church’s decision to move forward with the project without prior engagement with local residents. This has led many community members to feel that their input has been disregarded and to question the integrity of the church’s principle of “Love thy neighbor.”

Jim Desmond, a San Diego County supervisor, has acknowledged the significant difficulties in extinguishing lithium battery fires, recalling how a facility in San Diego burned for over 14 days. He warns that the inherent risks of these facilities require careful management and consideration from the authorities.

Brett Kotrba, a member of Saddleback Church’s Pastor Leadership Team, stated that the church is not involved in land-use approval decisions pertaining to the project. Kotrba emphasized the necessity for comprehensive reviews concerning health, safety, and environmental impacts before any further action is taken.

In response to community concerns, Compass Energy Storage’s parent company, ENGIE, has pledged adherence to local and state regulations, stressing a commitment to safety and fire safety measures integrated into the design of the project. They predict that the facility could yield economic benefits of over $50 million, an assertion backed by a coalition that includes the Orange County Business Council and the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

As the dialogue continues, the California Energy Commission is set to host an information and environmental scoping meeting to gather public input regarding the proposed battery storage facility. This will provide an opportunity for local community members to express their concerns and suggestions about the project directly.

Additionally, while engaged in discussions around energy storage, it is notable that Eos Energy Enterprises has initiated its own projects in Northern California, focusing on providing zinc-based battery storage technology for a microgrid project for the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians. This project aims to promote energy independence by integrating solar power, non-lithium battery storage, fuel cells, and diesel generators, with an anticipated commissioning date in the second half of 2026.

Furthermore, significant regulatory developments also surround the battery storage sector, as the California Public Utilities Commission has newly approved comprehensive regulations for battery energy storage systems, establishing clear standards for maintenance, operation, and incident reporting. These regulations aim to enhance safety and performance in energy storage across the state.