Energy Vault Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: NRGV), a front-runner in sustainable, large-scale energy storage solutions, has announced the groundbreaking of its highly anticipated utility-scale green hydrogen plus battery energy storage system (BH-ESS) in Calistoga, Northern California. Boasting 293 megawatt-hours (MWh) of dispatchable, carbon-free energy, this pioneering project, known as the Calistoga Resiliency Center, merges lithium-ion batteries with hydrogen fuel cells in an innovative hybrid system.
Set for completion by the end of Q2 2024, the BH-ESS is developed for Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) on a compact site, marking it as the United States’ first and most significant utility-scale green hydrogen energy storage endeavor. Engineered to enhance grid stability and provide black start capabilities, the battery component will support downtown Calistoga and its vicinity during Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) caused by elevated wildfire risks, offering power for up to 48 hours. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved PG&E’s proposal for this system in April 2023, setting a new standard in community-scale microgrid development and advancing CPUC’s vision for cleaner microgrid solutions.
Energy Vault’s BH-ESS aims to replace the diesel generators currently powering PG&E’s Calistoga microgrid during PSPS, showcasing a leap in microgrid technology and community resilience. Marco Terruzzin, Chief Commercial and Product Officer at Energy Vault, emphasized the project’s significance in delivering a sustainable and innovative solution to the Calistoga community, highlighting the collaboration’s role in advancing decarbonization objectives.
Mike Delaney, Vice President of Utility Partnerships and Innovation at PG&E, underscored the critical role of advanced energy storage and generation technologies in ensuring grid reliability and achieving PG&E’s net-zero ambitions by 2040. Energy Vault will own, operate, and maintain the storage system, employing its VaultOS™ Energy Management System for operational control and optimization, under a long-term agreement with PG&E. This venture, part of Energy Vault’s H-VAULT™ suite, exemplifies the integration of green hydrogen and battery technologies to enhance grid resilience during PSPS events, providing a reliable and clean power backup for the City of Calistoga and its essential services.
