Energy Vault & PG&E power up world’s first hybrid battery, hydrogen microgrid in Calistoga

Energy Vault & PG&E power up world’s first hybrid battery, hydrogen microgrid in Calistoga

By: ICN Bureau

Last updated : September 30, 2025 4:17 pm



The CRC represents a transformative step in addressing the impacts of Public Safety Power Shutoffs


Energy Vault Holdings (Energy Vault), a global leader in sustainable, grid-scale energy storage solutions, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation, announced the successful completion and commercial operation of the Calistoga Resiliency Center (CRC).

This first-of-its-kind hybrid microgrid integrates advanced hydrogen fuel cells with lithium-ion batteries, delivering a fully sustainable energy solution designed to strengthen power resiliency for communities facing wildfire and climate-driven grid disruptions.

The CRC represents a transformative step in addressing the impacts of Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). The 293-megawatt hour (MWh) system ensures a minimum of 48 hours of continuous energy supply with a peak power output of 8.5 megawatts (MW) during PSPS events.

By combining zero-emission hydrogen fuel cells with Energy Vault’s B-VAULT DC battery technology, the system provides black-start capability, grid-forming services, and instantaneous response, ensuring uninterrupted energy and grid stability. The use of liquid hydrogen further enables extended operation while reducing costs for resiliency services.

“This project is a major milestone in our mission to deliver sustainable, resilient energy solutions to communities most vulnerable to climate-driven grid disruptions,” said Craig Horne, Senior Vice President, Advanced Energy Solutions at Energy Vault.

“The Calistoga Resiliency Center exemplifies the power of innovation and partnership while advancing our ‘Own & Operate’ strategy to deliver long-term value through recurring revenue and measurable community impact.”

The project was financed through $28 million in funding, including the monetization of the Investment Tax Credit associated with the facility. Energy Vault owns and operates the system in collaboration with PG&E, which serves as the utility partner and distribution system operator under a long-term energy services agreement. The CRC builds on Energy Vault’s expanding portfolio of owned and operated projects, following the recent completion of the Cross Trails BESS, and stands as a blueprint for future deployments across California and other wildfire-prone regions.

“PG&E is committed to delivering innovations that enhance electric system safety and reliability while reducing costs for our customers,” said Mike Delaney, Vice President of Utility Partnerships and Innovation at PG&E. “The Calistoga Resiliency Center is the right solution for PG&E, for Calistoga, and for the planet. It demonstrates how advanced, renewable microgrids can keep communities powered safely and sustainably during extreme weather events.”

 

Energy Vault Holdings Pacific Gas and Electric Company

First Published : September 30, 2025 12:00 am