News Summary

Residents in Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, and San Juan Capistrano are expressing strong opposition to a proposed lithium battery storage facility near Saddleback College. The plan by Compass Energy Storage aims to build a 250-megawatt energy storage system on land purchased from Saddleback Church. Concerns regarding safety during wildfire seasons, environmental impacts, and community engagement have sparked significant debate, as the California Energy Commission prepares to gather public input on the contentious project.

California – Residents from Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, and San Juan Capistrano are voicing strong opposition to a proposed lithium battery storage plant set to be built near Saddleback College. The project, planned by Compass Energy Storage, aims to create a 250-megawatt battery energy storage system on 13 acres of land that has been purchased from Saddleback Church.

Located adjacent to the 5 Freeway and Camino Capistrano, the proposal has spurred a wave of community concern regarding safety and environmental impacts. Local resident Angela Maroon, who has lived in the Concord Hill neighborhood for nearly three decades, believes the site is inappropriate for such a facility. Another community member, Andy Perea, has expressed disappointment in Saddleback Church for its lack of engagement with local residents, stressing that the church’s principle of “Love thy neighbor” should extend to community consultations.

Concerns are heightened by potential safety hazards that could arise during wildfire seasons, as the proposed site is situated at the bottom of a hill, posing a risk of smoke and toxins spreading to surrounding areas. A recent incident at a lithium-ion battery storage plant in Northern California raised alarm bells when a fire caused evacuations. Reports indicate that lithium battery fires can be exceptionally difficult to extinguish, with one fire at a facility in San Diego burning for over two weeks.

Brett Kotrba, a member of Saddleback Church’s Pastor Leadership Team, highlighted that the church is not involved in decisions regarding land use approvals and underscored the importance of thoroughly reviewing health, safety, and environmental impacts related to the proposed project.

Compass Energy Storage’s parent company, ENGIE, has pledged to prioritize safety throughout the project. The company emphasizes its commitment to adhering to local and state regulations and incorporating fire safety measures within the design of the facility. Despite community opposition, the project promises significant economic benefits, with projections of over $50 million in financial gains, backed by the Orange County Business Council and the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The California Energy Commission is set to hold an information and environmental scoping meeting, providing a platform for public input on this contentious project. The meeting is part of the regulatory process that seeks to balance community concerns with the perceived benefits of sustainable energy development.

In related developments, Eos Energy Enterprises will be providing zinc-based battery storage technology for an upcoming tribal microgrid project in Northern California. This project, intended to enhance energy independence for the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, will incorporate solar power, non-lithium battery storage, fuel cells, and diesel generators, with commissioning expected in the second half of 2026.

In an effort to enhance regulatory oversight, the California Public Utilities Commission has approved comprehensive regulations for battery energy storage systems for the first time. These regulations will establish standards for the maintenance, operation, and incident reporting of battery systems, ensuring that safety protocols are strictly followed in future developments.

The debate surrounding the lithium battery storage plant near Saddleback College continues to evolve, encapsulating broader concerns regarding community safety, environmental impact, and energy sustainability.