Photo: Energy Vault
Last week, Energy Vault’s new microgrid storage tank for Pacific Gas and Electric Company was delivered to the Calistoga Resiliency Center (CRC). The CRC is a hybrid long-duration energy storage (LDES) and green hydrogen microgrid facility that combines two clean energy technologies: hydrogen fuel cells and lithium-ion batteries. The facility will be the largest utility-scale green hydrogen energy storage project in the U.S.
Providing Grid Stability and Backup Power for Calistoga Using LDES
Upon completion, the hybrid LDES and green hydrogen microgrid will support grid stability and provide backup power for up to 48 hours during outages and Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) used by CAISO to mitigate wildfire risks. The utility-scale system called BH-ESS is designed to deliver 293 megawatt-hours (MWh) of carbon-free energy, sufficient to power around 2,000 electric customers in PG&E’s Calistoga microgrid. Additionally, the BH-ESS will power downtown Calistoga and the surrounding areas, including critical facilities such as fire and police stations. Energy Vault’s system will replace traditional mobile diesel generators used during PSPS events.
Utilizing Green Hydrogen and Lithium-Ion Batteries for Reliable, Emission-Free Power
Energy Vault will utilize its VaultOS™ Energy Management System to oversee, manage, and optimize BH-ESS operations. This system is part of Energy Vault’s H-VAULT™ suite, which integrates green hydrogen fuel cells and lithium-ion batteries to maintain power during PSPS events. The H-VAULT™ combines the long-duration storage of hydrogen fuel cells with features of B-VAULT™️ lithium-ion batteries, delivering clean, reliable, and cost-effective backup power for islanded microgrids during transmission outages. Moreover, the B-VAULT™ DC battery will provide immediate response and grid-forming capabilities, ensuring stable power throughout PSPS events.
This integrated system produces no greenhouse gas emissions at the point of use, complies with California’s Renewable Portfolio Standard, and supports PG&E’s goal of achieving a net-zero system by 2040.
Advancing Community-Scale Microgrid Technology in California
The hybrid LDES and green hydrogen microgrid project, approved by the California Public Utilities Commission in April 2023, marks a significant advancement in community-scale microgrid technology and supports the state’s bold clean energy goals. Energy Vault will manage the system under a 10.5-year agreement, providing energy and grid support.
Energy Vault’s Chief Commercial and Product Officer, Marco Terruzzin, emphasizes the significance of their collaboration with PG&E, by stating, “Our partnership with California’s largest public utility is yet another example of the growing recognition that optimizing grid resiliency and economics toward achieving decarbonization goals requires innovation that leverages multiple technologies and a ‘fit-for-purpose’ customer-centric approach when designing energy storage solutions.”
This hybrid microgrid project demonstrates how cost-effective and next-generation energy supply, such as LDES and green hydrogen, is essential for grid reliability and meeting clean energy targets.
