A proposed battery energy storage system (BESS) facility won’t be built in Morro Bay, at least not in the near future.
Vistra, the company behind the proposal, has decided not to advance its plans for the project.
A spokesperson for the California Energy Commission (CEC) confirmed the information to KSBY News on Wednesday, saying Vistra informed them it will not be seeking certification through the CEC’s Opt-In Certification program.
Last fall, the company paused its application through the City of Morro Bay in an effort to gain state approval first, taking advantage of Assembly Bill 205. Passed in 2022, the bill allows energy companies to bypass local jurisdictions, like city councils.
The proposed project called for a 600MW lithium-ion battery facility, which would be enough to power 450,000 homes in California’s power grid.
The 107-acre Vistra-owned property is located at the former power plant along the Embarcadero.
WATCH: Aerial view of the Morro Bay power plant stacks
The City of Morro Bay tells KSBY, "The City is currently updating our Waterfront Master Plan, which will establish a vision for sustainable and resilient visitor-serving uses on the powerplant property consistent with the site's General Plan designation and zoning. We look forward to engaging with Vistra and the community in this process."
Vistra has not yet responded to KSBY's request for comment.
