Moss Landing Power Plant Fire: Lithium Battery Storage Risks

Fire at Moss Landing Power Plant Raises Safety Concerns and Calls for Stricter Regulations

On Thursday, January 16, 2025, at approximately 3:00 PM, a massive fire broke out at the Moss Landing Power Plant, specifically in the Phase 1 building, a 300 MW section managed by Vistra Corp. The fire originated in the lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt oxide (NMC) battery storage systems housed within a concrete facility. The flames quickly intensified, reaching their first peak between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Despite the fire suppression systems being activated, the fire was not extinguished but remained contained within the concrete structure.

Unlike conventional battery storage facilities, which are often situated outdoors for safety reasons, this incident occurred in an enclosed space, potentially exacerbating the spread of the fire. As a precautionary measure, local authorities initiated the evacuation of 1,200 residents.

Lithium Battery Fires Pose Significant Hazards

In accordance with standard protocols for lithium-ion battery fires, firefighters refrained from direct extinguishing efforts and instead allowed the fire to burn itself out. Such fires release toxic gases and burn at extremely high temperatures, posing serious health and environmental risks. Concerns have been raised about the release of hydrogen fluoride (HF) and other hazardous compounds into the atmosphere. However, due to low wind speeds, thick plumes of smoke rose high before dissipating significantly.

By Friday morning, the fire appeared to have subsided, but flared up again in the early afternoon before finally subsiding later in the day. Air quality tests conducted by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found no dangerous levels of hydrogen fluoride or other toxic gases at ground level. Nevertheless, many residents of Watsonville, Castroville, Salinas and the ecologically sensitive Elkhorn Slough remain concerned about long-term environmental and health effects.

Investigation Underway as Authorities Demand Stronger Safety Regulations

The cause of the fire remained undetermined, with approximately 80% of the battery section destroyed. On January 17, as the fire diminished, Monterey County authorities permitted evacuated residents to return home. By January 22, the final road closures in the area were lifted.

This fire marked the fourth incident at Moss Landing since 2019 and the third within facilities owned by Texas-based Vistra Energy. Given the power plant’s location near Highway 1, about 18 miles northeast of Monterey, public concern has surged regarding the safety of large-scale lithium-ion battery storage systems.

In response to the fire, lawmakers and environmental groups have called for additional safety regulations. Many are advocating for stricter oversight on battery storage facility locations and enhanced fire prevention measures. Officials have requested that Moss Landing remain offline until a thorough investigation is completed and significant safety improvements are implemented. 

Growing Concerns Among Residents After the Fire

According to Monterey County spokesperson Nick Pasculli, initial air quality assessments showed toxic smoke emissions, including hydrogen fluoride, escaping from the facility. However, EPA data suggests that these emissions did not reach dangerous levels for public health during the fire.

Despite reassurances, many residents remain skeptical. Silvia Morales, a local resident, expressed concerns to The Times, stating:

“Experiencing this disaster firsthand was terrifying-not just for people but for the surrounding environment. The consequences could be long-term, especially given that the plant is adjacent to organic farms producing food.”

Joel Mendoza, North County Fire Chief, emphasized that multiple factors contributed to the rapid spread of the fire and the challenges firefighters faced. The plant’s fire suppression system failed, triggering a chain reaction of battery ignitions. Additionally, a malfunctioning camera system and the presence of overheated gases complicated response efforts.

Future of Large-Scale Battery Storage Facilities Under Scrutiny

Firefighters were unable to use water due to the risk of exacerbating the chemical reactions within the lithium-ion batteries, which could have triggered further explosions. The severity of the incident has left local officials and residents questioning the future of battery storage in Monterey County. Many fear that without substantial reforms, similar incidents could occur again.

Adding to concerns is the proposal for a new battery storage facility in an unincorporated area of Santa Cruz County near Watsonville. In response, a petition to halt further battery storage development in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties has gained over 2,900 signatures.

The Monterey County Board of Supervisors voted to declare a local state of emergency and formally requested that Vistra and Pacific Gas and Electric Co. suspend operations at Moss Landing until investigations conclude.

Community leaders like Ed Mitchell, representing the newly formed Moss Landing Fire Community Recovery Group, recognize the potential of battery technology but warn of its dangers:

“Battery storage technology is exciting when it works. But when it fails, it’s terrifying.”