One of the world’s largest lithium-ion energy storage facilities, the Gateway Energy Storage facility in California, has been burning for five days. The fire, which started last Wednesday, continues to blaze with no clear end in sight.
Fire at Gateway Energy Storage Facility Continues
The Gateway Energy Storage facility, located in San Diego and operated by LS Power, has a capacity of 250MW and spans approximately 1,500 square meters. The fire, which began on Wednesday, was initially brought under control within 24 hours. However, the fire has reignited twice since then, causing significant damage, including to the facility’s roof.
Lithium-ion battery fires are notoriously difficult to extinguish and can emit dangerous gases, posing health risks. As a result, fire department intervention has been limited, and evacuation warnings have been issued for nearby buildings. Wind conditions have exacerbated the situation. While the fire was reportedly brought under control on Sunday, smoke and flames persist. A team of 40 firefighters is actively working to manage the situation.
Experts note that similar incidents in the past have taken anywhere from seven days to several weeks to resolve. Firefighters have been pumping water into the facility’s fire suppression system for days to cool the overheating batteries. Lithium-ion battery fires, caused by a phenomenon known as thermal runaway, can reignite even after being extinguished. The facility, which became operational in 2020, uses lithium-ion cells from LG Chem. Such fires are rare but difficult to put out with water, often requiring specialized extinguishing agents. It is unclear whether such measures are being used at the Gateway facility.
Growing Importance of Battery Energy Storage Systems
Battery energy storage systems are becoming increasingly important alongside the rise of renewable energy sources. These systems store electricity generated from intermittent sources like solar and wind power, which is then used to supply the grid during peak demand hours. According to the International Energy Agency, to triple renewable energy by 2030, the world will need six times the current energy storage capacity, amounting to 1,500 GW.
The ongoing fire at the Gateway Energy Storage facility underscores the challenges and risks associated with the rapid expansion of battery storage systems. As the demand for renewable energy storage grows, ensuring the safety and reliability of these systems will be crucial.
