March 13, 2025: The US Environmental Protection Agency has warned that additional flare ups at Vistra’s Moss Landing BESS plant are still possible, as work continues to de-link the remaining batteries following a major fire in January.

The EPA said on February 22 that the work at the 300MW facility in California had begun and was expected to take about two weeks.
De-linking around a third of the battery modules will create a safer, more stable condition by removing the electrical connection between the modules and racks.

The process involves unbolting metal plates that connect the batteries in a series, in the first step of what the agency said will be a lengthy process to safely remove the batteries and begin demolishing the building.

Round-the-clock fire watch and air monitoring will continue throughout the demolition process.

Meanwhile, the cause of the fire remains unknown, according to a dedicated website set up to inform on progress at the site.

Batteries International understands proposals by the California Public Utilities Commission to compel energy storage system owners to report safety-related incidents such as injuries, fatalities, thermal runaways, fires, or other system failures — which they are not required to do at present — will be formally discussed by the body this week.