Community Opposes Lithium Battery Plant Near Saddleback College

Categories: California Business NewsCalifornia News

An artistic representation of the proposed lithium battery storage facility and the community's perspective on safety and wildfires.

News Summary

Residents from Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, and San Juan Capistrano are raising serious concerns regarding a proposed lithium battery storage facility near Saddleback College. The plant, proposed by Compass Energy Storage, is slated for a location viewed as unsafe due to wildfire risks. Community members are disappointed with the lack of engagement from local leaders and fear the project could be detrimental to their neighborhoods. Despite these concerns, the proposed project promises significant economic benefits, sparking a divide in the community as discussions about safety and environmental impact continue.

California – Residents from Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, and San Juan Capistrano are voicing strong opposition to a proposed lithium battery storage plant near Saddleback College. The facility, proposed by Compass Energy Storage, is set to feature a 250-megawatt battery energy storage system, constructed on 13 acres purchased from Saddleback Church.

The proposed facility is strategically located adjacent to the 5 Freeway and Camino Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano. Local concerns have been raised regarding the site’s safety, especially given its positioning at the base of a hill. This location raises fears that in the event of wildfires, smoke and toxic substances could quickly spread to nearby communities.

Community members have expressed disappointment over the lack of engagement from Saddleback Church regarding the development. Many residents believe the church’s decision contradicts its principle of “Love thy neighbor.” Angela Maroon, a local resident who has lived in the Concord Hill neighborhood for nearly three decades, has been particularly vocal about her concerns, insisting that the location is inappropriate for such a facility due to the potential risks involved.

The safety of lithium battery storage facilities has come under scrutiny following a fire incident at a lithium-ion battery storage plant in Northern California in January 2025. That fire necessitated evacuations and highlighted the inherent dangers associated with lithium battery storage. Supervisors such as Jim Desmond, from San Diego County, have noted the challenges involved in extinguishing lithium battery fires, pointing to a recent occurrence in San Diego where a facility burned for over 14 consecutive days.

In response to community concerns, representatives from Saddleback Church have clarified that the church does not participate in land-use approval decisions. Leaders within the church have emphasized their commitment to ensuring that health, safety, and environmental impacts are thoroughly reviewed before any final decisions are made regarding the proposed battery storage plant.

Despite the community concerns, the owner of Compass Energy Storage, ENGIE, has conveyed their commitment to safety and adherence to local and state regulations. The company plans to incorporate various fire safety measures in the design of the facility to mitigate risks. Proponents of the project have highlighted its anticipated economic benefits, projecting over $50 million in economic impact for the region. This support comes from a coalition that includes the Orange County Business Council and the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The California Energy Commission is set to facilitate an information and environmental scoping meeting to gather public input regarding the project. This meeting aims to address community concerns and provide residents with an opportunity to voice their opinions on the proposed facility.

Meanwhile, in a different development, Eos Energy Enterprises is collaborating on a tribal microgrid project in Northern California with the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians. This project will incorporate zinc-based battery storage technology and aims to enhance energy independence through the integration of solar power, non-lithium battery storage, fuel cells, and diesel generators. The commissioning of this microgrid project is anticipated in the latter half of 2026.

Additionally, the California Public Utilities Commission has recently approved comprehensive regulations governing battery energy storage systems for the first time. These regulations will establish clear standards for maintenance, operation, and incident reporting, reflecting the state’s ongoing commitment to fostering safe energy storage solutions.