Many local residents are concerned about the safety of a battery energy storage system (“BESS”). Aren’t we all? That concern is especially acute with the prospect of a battery energy storage system proposed for the old fuel tank site in Morro Bay. BESS is highly likely to happen, whether it be under Morro Bay’s control if measure A-24 fails or is mandated by the state energy commission (without local control) if A-24 passes.
Vistra, the energy company that owns the site, states that they have many layers of safeguards and that the current generation of batteries are very safe. But there is even more hope beyond that. We know that batteries based on sodium are coming on line and, by the time construction begins, will be a safer alternative. Good old non-toxic, plentiful sodium–like what you find in table salt and ocean water. We will want to demand that, as well as other safety measures.
Battery energy storage systems are considered vital for the transition to renewable energy. California will need 52,000 MW of energy storage to meet its goal of 100% renewable energy by 2045. There are already 22 grid-level BESS installations in operation in California, with at least 39 under construction, and 66 more planned. The 100 MW Caballero BESS in Nipomo is expected to come online in February 2025. It is highly likely that, if this project is taken out of the hands of the city council, then it will go before the state energy commission. They can and will override our local zoning ordinance (A-24) created to oppose the BESS. The state energy commission is likely to value expediency over local preferences.
We have leverage over the Morro Bay City Council, but not much over the State Energy Commission. Our best shot to retain control over the construction of this BESS is to defeat measure A-24 and work with our city council to require the safest possible batteries.
William (Bill) Bowes
Morro Bay
