The Santa Cruz Commission on the Environment will host the second in a series of public workshops on battery energy storage system (BESS) technology on Tuesday, July 30.
This session will feature presentations from Scott Murtishaw, executive director of the California Energy Storage Alliance, and Mike Nichols, energy storage specialist and fire consultant with Hiller Companies. Murthishaw will discuss the future of battery innovations, while Nichols will focus on fire safety, suppression and emergency response.
“With the second of the three workshops, the commission is continuing its community outreach and education on this very important topic,” said Commission Chair Kris Damhorst.
The July 30 gathering follows a June 26 session during which energy experts sought to reassure skeptical Santa Cruz County residents about the safety of battery storage technology and its role in expanding renewable energy, months after a massive fire at a battery facility in Moss Landing and as county officials consider a planned battery facility near Watsonville.
This event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. at the county government center, 701 Ocean St., fifth floor. Community members can also participate remotely via this Zoom link.
The final workshop is set for Aug. 20 and will feature nationally recognized BESS safety expert Matt Paiss. Recording of all sessions will be available on the county’s YouTube page.
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