California grid battery safety concerns ease as industry rebuilds public trust

Large-scale energy storage installations in California face public concern following high-profile fires, but experts say modern batteries pose lower risks and are working to restore confidence in the technology.

First covered Oct 13, 2026 · 3:06 PM PT · 2 articles · no longer in the live window

California grid battery safety concerns ease as industry rebuilds public trust — Image via canarymedia.com

Coverage

27d via Bluesky What to say to Californians worried about grid batteries — Large-scale batteries are safer than ever, even after some high-profile fires. Here's how experts are rebuilding trust.

28d Canary Media What to say to Californians worried about grid batteries — This is California Wire , a weekly newsletter from Jeff St. John on the state’s clean energy transition

Primary sources

business.ca.gov State Battery Storage Safety Collaborative | California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development

energy.ca.gov California Energy Storage System Survey

Related coverage

30d Utility Dive Battery storage is scaling fast. Here’s how utilities can trust it to perform.

More coverage from around the web

business.ca.gov State Battery Storage Safety Collaborative

calmatters.org Moss Landing battery storage fire flares up again, raising new safety fears in California

businessmirror.com.ph Battery boom meets backlash: Californians fear lithium storage farms could fuel wildfire risk as demand surges

hsjchronicle.com Moss Landing Battery Plant Fire Reignites, Stoking Fresh Safety Concerns Statewide

fordje.com More Bans, More Batteries: California's Self-Reinforcing BESS Siting Cycle, 2021–2026

Discussion

Bluesky: @jeffstjohn.bsky.social Jeff St. John · 27d ago · 2 ♥ Grid batteries are safer than ever, but high-profile fires at Moss Landing and other California sites have sparked fears. Here's how clean energy groups are building trust and support for projects vital to getting cleaner, more reliable energy:…

Appeared in: 2026-10-14 (#13) · 2026-10-15 (#12)

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