Santa Cruz County is advancing a new framework for utility-scale battery storage that strengthens grid reliability while putting safety first. Inspired by lessons from Moss Landing, the plan bans higher-risk chemistries, adds monitoring and setbacks, and treats storage as essential climate infrastructure.

After multiple fires at Moss Landing, California’s grid faces renewed urgency to upgrade energy storage. In 2024, the state wasted 2.9 million MWh of clean energy—enough to power over 300,000 homes. Safer, smarter battery tech is now available. The question is: should we rebuild Moss Landing to lead again?