What to say to Californians worried about grid batteries

Last week’s panel at the California Energy Storage Alliance’s conference in Sacramento focused on addressing public concerns about grid-scale lithium-ion batteries, which have faced opposition despite California’s 21 gigawatts of installed capacity. Recent high-profile fires, including a January 2025 blaze at Moss Landing and a smaller incident in La Verne, have fueled safety fears, prompting calls for better community outreach. The state must more than double its battery capacity by 2045 to meet climate goals, making engagement with residents critical to project approvals.

California Energy Commissioner Noemí Gallardo cited Electric Power Research Institute data showing a 98% reduction in lithium-ion battery failures globally from 2018 to 2025, making them as reliable as oil-filled transformers. However, Gallardo acknowledged that visual evidence of fires, like Moss Landing, undermines trust. Modern utility-scale batteries are now built to stricter safety standards to prevent such incidents, according to reporting by Julian Spector.

California strengthened battery fire-safety regulations last year, a move praised by Ashanti Washington of the Reliable Grid Project, whose organization found first responders are the most trusted sources on battery safety. The state’s Opt-In Certification program, which expedites reviews for projects like the 400-megawatt Potentia-Viridi in Alameda County, incorporates the latest safety practices and involves local fire agencies in emergency preparedness.

Opposition to batteries often stems from legitimate concerns, even as new projects are designed to minimize risks. In Chino, a 400-megawatt project won approval after the developer committed to safety measures and gained support from labor unions and fire officials. Transparency, such as real-time monitoring of battery sites, was proposed as a way to build public confidence in these facilities.