Energy Vault Holdings Inc. and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) have announced the completion and commercial operation of the Calistoga Resiliency Center (CRC), a hybrid microgrid energy storage facility in Calistoga, California. The CRC integrates hydrogen fuel cells with lithium-ion batteries to provide a sustainable solution for power resiliency, particularly during wildfire-related Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS).
The facility serves around 1,600 PG&E customers in downtown Calistoga and is designed to maintain electricity supply during PSPS events caused by wildfires or extreme weather. The microgrid system can deliver at least 48 hours of continuous energy at a peak output of 8.5 megawatts and aligns with California’s Renewable Portfolio Standard.
Craig Horne, Senior Vice President of Advanced Energy Solutions at Energy Vault, said, “This project is a major milestone in our mission to deliver sustainable, resilient energy solutions to communities most vulnerable to climate-driven grid disruptions. The Calistoga Resiliency Center exemplifies the power of innovation and partnership, and it marks a significant step forward in the execution of our ‘Own & Operate’ strategy, which enables us to deliver long-term value through recurring revenue and community impact.”
The CRC operates independently from the main grid when needed (“island mode”), using hydrogen fuel cells for generation and B-VAULT DC battery technology for immediate response and stability. Liquid hydrogen allows for extended operation without disrupting power supply.
The project was financed with $28 million, including proceeds from an Investment Tax Credit sale. Energy Vault owns and operates the center under a long-term agreement with PG&E as utility partner.
Mike Delaney, Vice President of Utility Partnerships and Innovation at PG&E stated, “PG&E is committed to continually delivering innovations that enhance electric system safety and reliability while driving costs down for our customers. The Calistoga Resiliency Center is another step toward fulfilling that commitment. It is the right solution for PG&E, for Calistoga, and for the planet.”
Since 2021, PG&E has implemented 13 distribution microgrids across its service area to support communities affected by PSPS events; Calistoga’s installation is both the largest so far and the first fully renewable one operated by PG&E. These systems are designed to keep essential services operational during outages—such as fire stations or medical facilities—and can function where lines are underground or outside high fire-risk zones.
Through programs like its Community Microgrid Enablement Program (CMEP) and Microgrid Incentive Program (MIP), PG&E also supports community-driven microgrids; earlier this year it allocated up to $43 million toward nine new projects in Northern California’s North Coast region.
Additionally, PG&E provides Remote Grid services for customers located on long distribution lines in high fire-risk areas by replacing overhead wires with off-grid systems that reduce wildfire risk.
For more information about Energy Vault’s approach to sustainable energy storage solutions visit www.energyvault.com; details about PG&E’s operations can be found at pge.com/news.
