Calistoga, California, February 27, 2024 – Construction has officially begun on the largest green hydrogen energy storage project in the United States, located in Calistoga, California. This groundbreaking project, dubbed the Calistoga Resiliency Center, is being developed by Energy Vault for Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E).
The project boasts a capacity of 293 megawatt-hours (MWh) of dispatchable carbon-free energy. This translates to the ability to power approximately 2,000 electric customers within PG&E’s Calistoga microgrid for up to 48 hours.
Key features and significance of the Calistoga Resiliency Center:
- Green hydrogen storage: The project utilizes electrolysis to produce green hydrogen from renewable electricity sources like solar and wind. This hydrogen is then stored and used to generate clean electricity when needed.
- Hybrid system: The system combines green hydrogen storage with lithium-ion batteries for enhanced flexibility and grid support capabilities.
- Enhancing community resilience: The project aims to increase the resilience of Calistoga, particularly during Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), when power lines are deliberately turned off to prevent wildfires. The Calistoga Resiliency Center will provide a reliable source of clean energy during these critical times, replacing the currently used diesel generators.
Statements on this project:
- Robert Piconi, CEO of Energy Vault: “This project represents a major step forward in the development and deployment of long-duration energy storage solutions. The Calistoga Resiliency Center will serve as a model for other communities seeking to enhance their resilience and transition to a clean energy future.”
- William Johnson, Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer at PG&E: “This innovative project demonstrates PG&E’s commitment to providing our customers with clean, reliable, and resilient power. The Calistoga Resiliency Center will play a vital role in helping us achieve our clean energy goals.”
Expected completion: The project is expected to be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2024. This project signifies a significant advancement in green hydrogen technology and its potential to contribute to a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
