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Community Concerns Over Proposed Lithium Battery Storage Plant

Residents gathered to voice their concerns about the lithium battery storage facility near Saddleback College.

News Summary

Residents in Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, and San Juan Capistrano are voicing concerns about a proposed lithium battery storage plant by Compass Energy Storage near Saddleback College. Community members fear for public safety due to the project’s location and potential risks associated with lithium battery storage, especially amid wildfire conditions. While the project promises economic benefits, community input and safety measures are being emphasized in ongoing discussions with stakeholders.

California residents in the communities of Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, and San Juan Capistrano are raising concerns about a proposed lithium battery storage plant near Saddleback College. The project, initiated by Compass Energy Storage, aims to construct a 250-megawatt battery energy storage system on a 13-acre parcel of land purchased from Saddleback Church. The proposed site is strategically located adjacent to the busy 5 Freeway and Camino Capistrano, amplifying concerns among local residents about its appropriateness and potential risks.

Community members have voiced their opposition, highlighting the importance of ensuring that any development does not compromise public safety. Local resident Angela Maroon, who has resided in Laguna Niguel’s Concord Hill neighborhood for 29 years, emphasized that the site is not suitable for such a facility. Another community member, Andy Perea, expressed disappointment with Saddleback Church for not proactively involving the community in discussions regarding the development, particularly given the church’s principle of “love thy neighbor.”

Significant concerns are centered around safety hazards posed by lithium battery storage, especially during wildfire conditions. The site’s location at the bottom of a hill raises fears that smoke and harmful toxins could spread rapidly in the event of a fire. This apprehension is compounded by a recent incident in January 2025, when a fire broke out at a lithium-ion battery storage facility in Northern California, prompting evacuations and underscoring the potential dangers associated with such installations. Additionally, a San Diego County supervisor noted challenges in extinguishing lithium battery fires, referencing a blaze at a facility that raged for over two weeks.

Brett Kotrba, a member of Saddleback Church’s Pastor Leadership Team, noted that while the church sold the land, it would not be influencing the land-use approval process. Kotrba also stressed the importance of ensuring that all health, safety, and environmental impacts of the project are comprehensively evaluated.

In response to community fears, Compass Energy Storage’s owner, ENGIE, has reassured the public of its commitment to safety and its intention to comply with all local and state regulations. The company emphasized that fire safety measures are an integral part of the project’s design to mitigate risks associated with battery storage facilities.

Despite the community’s apprehension, proponents of the project highlight its potential economic benefits, estimating that it could inject over $50 million into the local economy. This projection is backed by support from notable organizations, including the Orange County Business Council and the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

For stakeholders, transparency and public involvement are critical aspects of the development process. In light of the ongoing debate, the California Energy Commission is scheduled to hold an information and environmental scoping meeting to allow for public input on the project. This meeting aims to engage the community and address any remaining questions or concerns regarding the lithium battery storage facility.

In related news, Eos Energy Enterprises is exploring the integration of zinc-based battery storage technology for a tribal microgrid initiative in Northern California. This project, catering to the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians, aims to bolster energy independence by integrating solar power, non-lithium battery storage, fuel cells, and diesel generators, with commissioning expected in the second half of 2026.

To regulate battery energy storage systems comprehensively, the California Public Utilities Commission has approved new guidelines governing maintenance, operation, and incident reporting for these systems. This regulatory framework marks a pivotal step toward ensuring the safety and reliability of energy storage facilities across the state.