In the scenic town of Calistoga, situated in the northern reaches of Napa Valley, the memory of wildfires looms large over its residents. Scars from past fires, such as the 2020 blaze that compelled a full evacuation and the devastating 2017 Tubbs fire, serve as stern reminders of nature’s unpredictability. Until recently, the town relied heavily on a set of diesel generators during mandatory power shutdowns aimed at preventing fires, though these emitted unpleasant exhaust and noise.
Calistoga, however, is turning over a new leaf by embracing an innovative energy system that integrates hydrogen fuel cells with battery storage. This pioneering technology offers enough clean energy to sustain the community for up to two days. Experts believe this advancement not only provides an immediate solution for emergencies but also marks a pivotal shift towards regular support for the wider electric grid.
As final preparations were underway in a local recreation space known for its dog park and community amenities, the residents expressed relief at the assurance of clean energy year-round. City council member Lisa Gift highlighted the growing threats posed by climate change, emphasizing that relying on fossil fuels no longer seemed viable. “The sustainable energy solution ensures both safety and resilience for our community,” Gift remarked.
Developed by Energy Vault, a California-based energy storage firm, this new setup is slated to become operational by early summer. The facility might soon provide power to the grid throughout the year, pending application approval. This sits on the site where Pacific Gas & Electric previously deployed diesel generators seasonally. Enclosed within secure fencing, six towering hydrogen fuel cells made by New York’s Plug Power were recently observed emitting water vapor as part of a final test run.
The facility also houses two pairs of Energy Vault’s lithium-ion batteries, guarded by a strong cinder block wall enclosing a large steel tank that stores extremely cold liquid hydrogen. This hydrogen, once converted to gas, fuels the power cells.
California’s utility landscape, especially PG&E, has faced considerable financial payouts over past wildfire incidents. Since 2018, PG&E has periodically halted power to mitigate fire risks, often resorting to diesel generators. Instead of upgrading to less polluting natural gas units, PG&E opted for this completely clean initiative, as shared by Dave Canny, the utility’s vice president for the North Coast Region.
Robert Piconi, the CEO of Energy Vault, sees potential for similar setups in other sectors and communities, noting the project’s pivotal role in proving its viability. “This demonstrates significant progress towards alternative, sustainable solutions,” he stated. Plug Power, the fuel cell supplier, aims to prioritize such innovative products in their business model over the next decade.
Janice Lin, president of the Green Hydrogen Coalition, labeled the solution as “beautiful,” emphasizing its noise-free, emission-free, and renewable nature as advantageous over diesel.
Though Calistoga, known for its focus on local businesses and distinct character unlike some other Napa Valley areas, initially worried about the introduction of hydrogen, support grew after comprehensive safety and emergency measures were established. Fire Chief Jed Matcham said that collaborative efforts ensured proper safety protocols.
Should PG&E require power interruptions in the future, Energy Vault will enact a seamless transition as solar-charged batteries initially restore power, followed by extended support from hydrogen fuel cells. This combined technology is poised to sustain electricity in Calistoga for at least two days. Local business owner Clive Richardson appreciates the newfound security, given his experience with past power outages.
“This brings significant peace of mind,” Clive stated. “It’s remarkable that our small town is leading the way with a system that could become a global model.”