Battery energy storage in California has grown from 500 to 10,300 megawatts since 2018. A further 3,800 megawatts will commission in the second half of 2024, which is great news for renewable energy. However, this may not bring smiles to the faces of residents living close by these huge facilities. Although they may be happy to hear news of new safety standards for storage battery farms in San Diego County.
Why New Safety Standards for Storage Batteries Now?
A series of isolated fires at these mega facilities spewing noxious fumes, have necessitated evacuation of local residents. This has resulted in some resistance to new projects, which is slowing the roll-out of renewable energy. Fire fighters have also been making their voices heard.
“I think it’s time to pump the brakes a little bit here … District 5 Supervisor Jim Desmond told San Diego Union Tribune. “… to ensure that battery storage projects are designed and located in the safest way possible.” This comes on the heels of two recent battery energy storage fires in his county.
The Power Grid website explains how the San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the need for new safety standards for storage facilities in their jurisdiction. They directed their Chief Administrative Officer to submit these new rules by end August 2024.
A Passionate Call From a Fire Fighter in The Front Line
We should not underestimate the dangers our fire fighters face when they tackle these tremendously hot fires. The District 5 Supervisor was not cutting corners when he laid down his conditions. Energy storage facilities should stay away from residential areas he insisted. And not be near near schools, day care centers, senior living facilities and hospitals either.
Supervisor Jim Desmond also called for more incentives to locate battery energy storage systems in designated industrial and commercial zones. They should be nearby existing utility infrastructure and electrical substations in these areas. And there must be rules in place for building heights and setbacks, among others, he insisted.
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