Restrictions on battery energy storage systems

What is an energy storage system?

An energy storage system is something that can store energy so that it can be used later as electrical energy. The most popular type of ESS is a battery system and the most common battery system is lithium-ion battery.

Are battery storage projects a fire hazard?

Finally, as fire safety concerns associated with lithium-ion technology batteries continue to be addressed, permitting hurdles for battery storage projects should ease. An update to the California Fire Code to address electrical energy storage systems is anticipated in July 2025 (with a draft to fire departments in May 2025).

What is a battery energy storage system?

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) stabilize the electrical grid, ensuring a steady flow of power to homes and businesses regardless of fluctuations from varied energy sources or other disruptions. However, fires at some BESS installations have caused concern in communities considering BESS as a method to support their grids.

What are the challenges of a utility-scale battery storage project?

Utility-scale battery storage projects, like any energy project, present land use, permitting, environmental, and health and safety challenges. Developers must anticipate and address these issues to successfully meet project development timelines and goals.

Can a battery project be a stand-alone battery storage project?

In addition, several battery developers have filed applications with the California Energy Commission (CEC) for stand-alone battery storage projects under the opt-in provisions of AB 205. Eligible storage projects must be capable of storing 200 megawatt-hours (MWh) or more.

What are the different types of battery storage technologies?

While several different battery storage technologies exist or are in development, including pumped hydropower and thermal storage, increasing focus is on battery storage systems to meet energy storage needs.