Building a Safer Storage Industry After the Moss Landing Fire
The recent fire at the Moss Landing battery storage facility in California, operated by Vistra, has raised concerns in the energy industry, raising critical questions about the safety and future of this burgeoning technology. The recent fire was the latest in a series of incidents at the site since it opened in 2020. The lessons learned from Moss Landing will not only shape the future of energy storage in California, but also serve as a blueprint for the nation. The industry had already taken lessons from this site before the fire, leading to improved designs, safer chemistries, and more robust safety protocols in newer projects. This incident underscores the importance of continuing that progress, reinforcing public trust, and demonstrating that energy storage can be both reliable and safe.
What Happened at Moss Landing?
The precise cause of the fire, which led to evacuations, remains under investigation. However, evidence suggests that multiple aspects of the plant and its batteries do not align with the latest safety and design standards. For example, the fire suppression system in one of the battery racks failed, allowing the fire to spread. The facility, which began operations in 2020, was built before some of the current fire codes and industry standards for large-scale battery storage were fully established. While UL 9540A and NFPA 855 standards provide a foundation, the upcoming NFPA 800 will enhance fire safety in energy storage systems. The facility’s location within a repurposed turbine hall, rather than the more typical containerized battery setup, presented unique challenges. The large number of batteries housed within the building likely contributed to the fire’s intensity and made it more difficult to control. Modern facilities generally utilize modular, containerized battery systems. Finally, the facility used nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) lithium-ion batteries. While NMC chemistry offers high energy density, it also carries a greater risk of thermal runaway and fire compared to lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. Firefighters followed established protocol, allowing the fire to burn itself out, as directly extinguishing lithium-ion fires can be dangerous due to the release of toxic gases and intense heat. LFP systems are also not immune to safety issues; during thermal runaway, they produce more hydrogen gas, increasing explosion risks. Fortunately, battery technology continues to advance. A promising alternative, lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), enhances energy density by over 20% and increases operating potential while maintaining LFP’s safety and durability. Future developments are expected to focus on blended cathodes, such as LMFP mixed with NMC, to optimize both performance and safety. Each safety-related event offers an opportunity for industry to learn and advance battery technology and its deployment. These incidents drive ongoing discussions on best practices for improving safety and addressing gaps in risk management.
Modernizing Safety Standards and Enforcing Accountability
A thorough root cause analysis (RCA) is paramount to understanding the Moss Landing incident and its broader implications for the rapidly growing battery energy storage industry. This investigation is not merely about identifying what went wrong; it’s about learning critical lessons to prevent future disasters and build public trust in this vital sector. Public confidence in emerging technologies is fragile, making it essential to investigate the root cause of this incident and communicate findings transparently to maintain trust in battery storage. The battery industry continues to invest in research and development to enhance prevention and mitigation strategies while deepening its understanding of battery energy storage system (BESS) failures. As part of these efforts, the Energy Storage Integration Council, an industry-wide collaborative, has developed a reference fire hazard mitigation analysis. Pinpointing the exact cause of the Moss Landing fire requires a comprehensive investigation, exploring a range of potential factors:
Battery Malfunction. Was the fire triggered by a thermal runaway, faulty cell connections, or other internal battery issues?
System Design Flaws. Did the facility’s design, or the battery system architecture itself, contribute to the fire’s ignition or spread?
Operational Failures. Were there any lapses in operational protocols or emergency response procedures that exacerbated the incident?
Fire Suppression Failure. A critical element of the investigation must be the failure of the fire suppression system within one of the battery racks, which allowed the fire to propagate.
All electricity infrastructure presents inherent safety risks that must be effectively managed through a combination of technology, design, and ongoing maintenance and operational procedures. Battery storage systems are no exception. However, as a relatively new technology with growing investments from many states, safety-related incidents in this sector attract significant media attention and public concern. Major safety incidents at battery storage facilities have historically been rare, affecting less than 1% of the total U.S. capacity. Open communication regarding incidents, investigations, and ongoing safety efforts is vital. Transparent dialogue can dispel misinformation and ensure that safety concerns are addressed proactively.
The Rise of Battery Storage: A Linchpin of Decarbonization
Battery energy storage has emerged as a critical technology in the fight against climate change, playing a pivotal role in integrating renewable energy sources and decarbonizing the grid. Its ability to store excess energy and dispatch it when needed is transforming the energy landscape, enabling a more reliable and sustainable power system. As of the end of 2024, the U.S. had more than 20 GW of battery storage capacity installed since 2020. The growth of the battery storage industry has been rapid in recent years, driven by declining costs, technological advancements, and increasing policy support. The rapid growth of battery storage, especially in California and Texas, is vital for grid resilience. Storage has played a key role in preventing blackouts and optimizing solar energy. Its importance was clearly demonstrated during Winter Storm Elliott. However, if a storage facility is damaged in a fire, it is no longer contributing to grid reliability, underscoring the importance of safety and resilience in energy storage systems.
Public Trust and Grid Stability: Inextricably Linked
Battery storage is rapidly transforming the U.S. power grid, but continued growth requires investment in infrastructure, improvements in safety standards, and supportive policies. California has long been a leader in clean energy policy, and its approach to battery storage safety will have national implications. The Moss Landing fire underscores the need to continuously enhance and enforce safety protocols. Rigorous safety standards are not just about preventing fires; they are essential for protecting public trust and advancing grid stability and decarbonization. Public confidence in battery storage is essential for its widespread adoption. Without that trust, the transition to a clean energy future will be significantly hampered. —Ric O'Connell is the executive director of GridLab.