Battery storage plays a key role in ensuring a reliable, clean energy grid. As more homes and businesses adopt solar power, large-scale battery systems help store energy for use when the sun isn’t shining. However, some may have concerns about safety—especially following incidents at Moss Landing, one of the world’s largest battery storage facilities.
Understandably, Peninsula Clean Energy has received questions about what happened at Moss Landing and whether similar risks exist with our battery storage projects. Below, we address the most frequently asked questions. The key takeaway? We use a newer, safer lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology, which is far more stable than older battery chemistries, and we carefully follow all modern safety codes and standards to prevent incidents like those at Moss Landing.
Battery Storage FAQs
Batteries store excess electricity—mostly from solar—for use when needed, such as in the evening or during outages. They reduce emissions, lower costs, and improve grid reliability by providing power during peak demand.
The Moss Landing fire involved older Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) batteries, which are more prone to overheating. The batteries that caught on fire were all located in a single building, making fire containment difficult. The facility was built before National Fire Protection Association Standard 855 (NFPA 855) was established. Today, newer lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries offer greater stability and enhanced fire safety.
PCE does have utility-scale battery projects in California; these systems use safer lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry, have advanced fire safety systems, and meet modern regulations, making a similar incident highly unlikely.
Yes. PCE is evaluating both small and utility-scale battery projects, and we prioritize safety by adhering to the latest local, state, and national standards. All projects will meet the latest safety standards, use LFP batteries, be located in a containerized – not building – enclosure, and follow strict fire prevention measures set forth by NFPA 855.
There are currently no operating utility-scale battery storage facilities in PCE’s service area. MCE, another local energy provider, has contracted a utility-scale battery project in Daly City, expected to come online in 2026. It will use LFP chemistry and follow modern safety standards. Other utility-scale battery projects are proposed in PCE’s service territory and all will complete local permitting processes before implementation.
PCE is considering adding new LFP-based battery storage to up to 40 small sites through its Gov PV initiative. Additionally, over 5,000 home battery systems (e.g., Tesla Powerwalls) are already in use in our service area.
Batteries store solar energy for later use (such as in the evening hours), improving energy reliability, reducing emissions, and lowering costs. Batteries also provide critical backup power during outages and reduce reliance on fossil fuel plants.
If passed, AB 303 would restrict battery projects near homes and sensitive sites. PCE supports safe, well-regulated battery deployment rather than broad-brush restrictions, as storage is essential for grid reliability and emissions reduction.
No. The Moss Landing facility is owned by Vistra, who does not operate in PCE’s service area. PCE’s battery projects are developed by other providers using safer LFP technology.
Visit Vistra’s Moss Landing Response Site or the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for more details.
