What is a battery energy storage system?

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) stabilize the electrical grid, ensuring a steady flow of power to homes and businesses regardless of fluctuations from varied energy sources or other disruptions. However, fires at some BESS installations have caused concern in communities considering BESS as a method to support their grids.

How many nickel manganese cobalt lithium-ion batteries were stored at Gateway?

The facility held about 15,000 nickel manganese cobalt lithium-ion batteries. Following the incident, EPA has required the Gateway facility to conduct extensive environmental monitoring during battery handling and disposal operations and submit detailed work plans and progress reports.

What happened at Gateway energy storage facility?

On May 15, 2024, Gateway Energy Storage Facility in San Diego, California, experienced a BESS fire with continued flare-ups for seven days following the fire. The facility held about 15,000 nickel manganese cobalt lithium-ion batteries.