Environment Commission to host battery storage public workshops | The Pajaronian
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Environment Commission to host battery storage public workshops
The Santa Cruz County Commission on the Environment (CoE) is convening a series of public technical workshops to examine the role and risks of battery energy storage systems. The workshops, scheduled for June 25, July 30 and Aug. 27, will be held from 5–8pm on the fifth floor of the Board Chambers, located at 701 Ocean Street in Santa Cruz.Remote participation available via Zoom is available. To join via Zoom, visit bit.ly/3HJdFtN.
The workshops, scheduled for June 25, July 30 and Aug. 27, will be held from 5–8pm on the fifth floor of the Board Chambers, located in the Santa Cruz County Governmental Center at 701 Ocean Street in Santa Cruz.
Remote participation available via Zoom is available.
BESS facilities are believed to be a critical component of California’s shift away from fossil fuels, allowing excess energy—especially solar and wind—to be stored for use when renewable generation is unavailable.
Industry experts say these systems can enhance grid stability and help utilities meet peak demand while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
But as interest in BESS projects grows, so do community concerns about public safety, emergency response readiness and long-term environmental impacts.
A fire on Jan. 16 at the Vistra Battery storage facility in Moss Landing was the latest in a string of incident that has eroded community trust in the technology.
The June 25 workshop will feature presentations on climate change, the importance of energy storage and the role of BESS in the regional power grid.
Key speakers include Dr. Mark Jacobson, Director of Stanford University’s Atmosphere/Energy Program and a leading expert on clean energy systems, and a representative from Central Coast Community Energy (3CE), which has committed to achieving 100 percent renewable energy by 2030. Additional experts will be featured as part of the review.
“These workshops are a chance for the community to engage with world-class experts and better understand the opportunities and risks associated with large-scale energy storage,” said Kris Damhorst, Chair of the Commission on the Environment. “As we respond to the climate crisis, it’s essential that we examine how new technologies align with our values, safety needs, and long-term environmental goals.”
Subsequent workshops will explore battery technology innovations, fire prevention and emergency response and evolving best practices. While technical in nature, the sessions are designed to be accessible to the general public. The workshops will not address land use planning, zoning decisions, or specific project proposals.
Everyone is encouraged to attend. To join via Zoom, visit bit.ly/3HJdFtN
Source: https://pajaronian.com/environment-commission-to-host-battery-storage-public-workshops/