Community Opposes Proposed Lithium Battery Storage Plant

Categories: California Business NewsCalifornia News

Residents gather to discuss the implications of the proposed lithium battery storage plant.

News Summary

Residents in Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, and San Juan Capistrano are voicing strong objections to a proposed lithium battery storage plant near Saddleback College. Concerns include safety issues, potential fire hazards, and community engagement. Local leaders emphasize the need for thorough environmental assessments, especially following incidents of lithium battery fires in California. While the project promises economic benefits, the community remains apprehensive about its implications, urging for a closer review before any developments proceed.

California residents from Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, and San Juan Capistrano are expressing strong opposition to a proposed lithium battery storage plant near Saddleback College. The project, spearheaded by Compass Energy Storage, is set to establish a 250-megawatt battery energy storage system on 13 acres of land recently purchased from Saddleback Church, located adjacent to the 5 Freeway and Camino Capistrano.

Local resident Angela Maroon, a 29-year resident of Laguna Niguel’s Concord Hill neighborhood, has voiced concerns regarding the project’s suitability for the area. Maroon and other community members are apprehensive, particularly about safety issues associated with lithium batteries, especially in light of recent wildfires. The proposed site sits at the base of a hill, raising fears that smoke and toxic materials from potential fires could spread to surrounding neighborhoods.

Specific incidents have amplified these concerns. A fire at a lithium-ion battery storage plant in Northern California in January 2025 led to evacuations and highlighted the inherent risks associated with such facilities. Jim Desmond, a San Diego County supervisor, pointed out the challenges in extinguishing lithium battery fires, referencing a San Diego facility that blazed uncontrollably for more than 14 days.

Community members are not only worried about safety but also about the lack of engagement from Saddleback Church regarding the development. One local resident noted disappointment with the church’s failure to involve the community in discussions about the project, given its principle of “Love thy neighbor.” Brett Kotrba, a member of the Saddleback Church’s Pastor Leadership Team, clarified that the church is not responsible for land-use approvals and underscored the necessity of comprehensive reviews concerning health, safety, and environmental impacts.

On the business side, economic projections for the battery storage plant suggest it could bring in over $50 million. A coalition that includes the Orange County Business Council and the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has backed the project, citing the anticipated economic benefits. ENGIE, the owner of Compass Energy Storage, has pledged to adhere strictly to all relevant local and state regulations and emphasized the design’s focus on fire safety measures.

As community discourse continues, the California Energy Commission is set to hold an information and environmental scoping meeting to gather public input on the proposed project. This is designed to ensure that all voices in the community are heard and that the implications of the project are thoroughly assessed before any decisions are made.

In related developments, Eos Energy Enterprises is working on a separate project in Northern California to provide zinc-based battery storage technology for a microgrid intended for the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians. This project aims to enhance energy independence and will integrate multiple energy sources, including solar power, non-lithium battery storage, fuel cells, and diesel generators, with completion expected in the second half of 2026.

This proposal comes at a time when the California Public Utilities Commission has established comprehensive regulations governing battery energy storage systems for the first time. These regulations include standards for maintenance, operation, and incident reporting, aiming to ensure safety and efficiency in battery storage operations across the state.

The dialogue surrounding the proposed lithium battery storage plant highlights an ongoing tension between the pursuit of renewable energy solutions and the legitimate concerns of local communities about safety and environmental impacts. As residents await further developments, the outcomes of the upcoming public meeting may significantly influence the project’s future.