California is ground zero for the growing battery backlash
The US is experiencing a battery boom to meet rising electricity demand, but communities are increasingly opposing large lithium-ion storage farms due to fire risks. California is at the forefront of this backlash, with residents and local officials resisting projects in high-risk wildfire areas.
The US is in the midst of a battery boom to keep up with surging electricity demand. However, developers are facing opposition from communities concerned about the risk of large lithium-ion storage farms catching fire. In Acton, a Los Angeles County town, a $1.9 billion battery facility is planned, despite the area being designated a 'very high fire hazard severity zone'. Residents are worried about the risk of fire and contamination of water wells. The local utility occasionally shuts off electricity to prevent wildfires, and a recent 385-acre blaze forced residents to evacuate. Opposition to battery farms is growing across California and the US, with residents and local officials suing to overturn government approvals or enacting ordinances to restrict the facilities.
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