Giant Energy Storage Project Hoovers Up Excess Wind & Solar
What was that again about wind and solar power being unreliable? Some energy pundits are still tossing that old ball around, but meanwhile savvy investors are plowing billions into new energy storage facilities that spit out clean kilowatts on demand. Like they say, money talks, and in a fitting twist the latest example comes from the Golden State, California.
Massive New Energy Storage Facility For The Golden State
California has plenty of both wind and solar, and it also has an ambitious renewable energy goal, which makes it the perfect spot to launch ambitious clean power projects such as massive new energy storage facilities.
California is also the perfect place to demonstrate how existing, climate-killing fossil energy sites can transition rapidly into climate action sites. After all, the state has played a key role in the US fossil energy industry, despite its image as an environmental warrior. It is riddled with oil and gas wells in addition to fossil power plants and existing transmission lines, and some of them are ripe for the picking by clean energy investors.
The new energy storage facility is a case in point. The diversified energy firm Vistra is behind the project. They are pitching it as the largest battery-type storage facility of its kind, and they are not kidding.
Located in Moss Landing near Monterey, California, the facility got under way in 2020 and it just completed an expansion, bringing its capacity to 400 megawatts or 1,600 megawatt-hours, depending on who’s counting and why. According to Vistra, the expansion kicked Moss Landing into world’s record territory.
That’s nothing. So far, work on the first two phases has progressed ahead of schedule, and Vistra is looking forward to another expansion that will bring the plant up to 1,500 megawatts, which translates into 6,000 megawatt-hours.
For those of you keeping score at home, the State of California, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, LG Energy Solution, and the engineering and construction firm Burns & McDonnell also have a hand in the project.
The Moss Landing Energy Storage Project Is A Good Start…
Land use issues are already threatening to slow down the clean energy transition, so any use of existing energy-related sites is an advantage that helps speed up the transition to clean power. Large-scale battery facilities like the Moss Landing project enable more wind and solar development on the grid, so the impact ripples out far beyond the site itself.
Vistra CEO Curt Morgan explains that “what’s great about this particular site is that it has the space to support even further expansion – up to 1,500 MW/6,000 MWh – while responsibly utilizing our existing site infrastructure, including existing transmission lines and grid interconnection.”
The battery array is housed inside an existing turbine building at the site, which is almost as long as three football fields, so just imagine if all those batteries involved digging up a pollinator habitat instead of occupying pre-built space.
As for what has been on the site previously, Moss Landing has a fossil energy pedigree of historic dimensions. The story started back in 1950, when a power plant built by Pacific Gas & Electric went into operation. PG&E was the whole story for almost 50 years, until 1998 when a series of transactions from Duke Energy to LS General Finance to Dynegy landed Moss Landing in the lap of Vistra, by dint of a 2018 merger with Dynegy.
Vistra has gotten loads of good press for the Moss Landing energy storage facility, which comes under its Vistra Zero branch. Other energy storage projects in the works in California and Texas, where Vistra Zero also doing a lot of solar. They also count the 2,300 megawatt, 1990’s-era Comanche Peak nuclear power plant in Texas among its zero emission assets, though a pesky fire at the facility has raised some red flags relating to the stowing of all your energy eggs in one basket. As of this writing the plant’s two units are scheduled for decommissioning between 2030 and 2033.
…But Vistra Has A Long Row To Hoe
On the down side, the Moss Landing energy storage project is part of a broader plan for leveraging batteries to store electricity from fossil sources in addition to wind and solar, for at least as long as fossils power the grid.
In that regard, Vistra has much to do and little time before the climate piper must be paid. The Moss Landing energy facility is dwarfed by the holdings of Vistra subsidiary Luminant, which counts 39,000 megawatts worth of generation capacity across 12 states, counting Comanche Peak.
The Luminant portfolio includes some solar, but as of 2019 its solar holdings barely registered on a pie chart. Natural gas and coal still share the throne, with nuclear holding on to a somewhat meaty sliver.
Nevertheless, Vistra’s interest in wind power has been coming along at a nice clip, and other signs of a strong uptick in renewable energy activity have been growing this year, partly spurred by the settlement of a complaint brought by Sierra Club. The settlement involves closing Vistra’s Joppa coal and gas power plant in Illinois, and it provides the company with an opportunity to lobby for the proposed “Illinois Coal to Solar and Energy Storage Act.”
If passed, the bill would help shepherd along Vistra’s plans for converting several other coal power plants in Illinois to renewable energy. The company has already set aside $550 million for the effort, which would involve a total of nine sites, 300 megawatts in solar capacity, and 175 megawatts in battery-type energy storage. Vistra also plans a similar fate for its coal power plants in Ohio.
If you’re thinking the Joppa site will soon be plastered with solar panels, guess again. Apparently the site is not suited for conversion to utility scale solar power. A 45-megawatt battery will go there instead, which is enough to serve about 22,500 typical homes.
Beyond Batteries For Long Duration Energy Storage
That figure of 22,500 homes sounds impressive, but the big question is for how long. Battery-type energy storage systems typically only last just a few hours. That is enough to power a grid past peak demand periods without having to dial up additional fossil energy capacity, typically in the form of natural gas. However, four hours is not nearly long enough to replace all existing “peaker” plants.
Our friends over at Power Magazine recently cited a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, which indicates that about 150 gigawatts in fossil energy peaker plant capacity is on track to retire within the next 20 years in the US. Battery-type energy storage facilities could only replace about 28 of those gigawatts under a four-hour scenario.
To replace the rest, something that lasts longer than four hours or so is needed. The US Department of Energy has been hammering away at the problem under its DAYS “Duration Added to ElectricitY Storage” program. The acronym is a bit of a stretch, and so is the endeavor. DAYS is looking for a minimum of 10 hours of energy storage, preferably reaching 100 hours or more.
That might sound like a tough nut to crack considering the state of battery-type storage. However, pumped storage hydropower already fits the bill, proving that it is possible. The problem with pumped hydro is the narrow range of options for site selection.
Flow batteries are another water-based option that allows for a much wider range of deployment. The water is contained in tanks and the whole thing can be packed into a a relatively small container, or a larger facility depending on the use case.
Another option is to take the gravity-based underpinnings of pumped hydropower and apply them to solid objects instead of water.
One interesting mashup in that area is the company Energy Vault, which is considering the use of recycled wind turbine blades in a gravity-based storage system that resembles a sideways Ferris wheel.
The compressed air energy storage field is also growing out and scaling up, so keep an eye on that, along with thermal systems and other interesting storage solutions.
Follow me on Twitter @TinaMCasey.
Photo: Moss Landing energy storage facility courtesy of Vistra.
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President Trump has nominated Jonathan Morrison to lead the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Morrison has previously criticized and tussled with Tesla in his previous role at NHTSA.
Morrison is now Trump’s nominee to head the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is in charge of regulating the auto industry in the US.
The attorney was the agency’s Chief Counsel during Trump’s first term, and he had a few disputes with Tesla during that time.
In September 2018, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its Tesla Model 3 crash test results, and the EV got five-star safety ratings in every category.
Tesla interpreted the data from the test and claimed that Model 3 achieved “the lowest probability of injury of any vehicle ever tested by NHTSA“.
Morrison sent Tesla a cease-and-desist letter over the claim, arguing that it was misleading.
The lawyers also subpoenaed Tesla to get data about a specific crash in 2019.
Next week, Morrison is expected to have his confirmation hearing in the Senate and could take up his role shortly after.
The nomination is significant in the context of the current feud between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and President Trump.
Musk has been criticizing Trump and his allies over their recently passed budget and tax bill, which is expected to significantly increase the federal government’s debt and eliminate virtually all subsidies to electric vehicles and renewable energy, potentially harming Tesla.
Trump has warned Musk that he could go directly after his companies and NHTSA would be the top vehicle for that when it comes to Tesla.
The agency had already launched several investigations into Tesla over the years, with the largest one examining Tesla’s Full Self-Driving program and several fatal crashes related to the ADAS system.
Electrek’s Take
Most NHTSA probes into Tesla have resulted in slaps on the wrist at best, but this FSD probe involves several fatal crashes, and even though it started under the Biden administration, it could potentially ramp up under Trump, especially amid his feud with Musk.
On the one hand, it’s disheartening to see the US reach this point, where feuds between billionaires and elected officials are settled through regulatory agencies. Still, at the same time, Musk did buy the election for Trump, so he created this situation in the first place, and there are serious concerns about how safe FSD is.
At the very least, I would hope that NHTSA will start to force Tesla to release all its FSD crash and disengagement data.
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You might remember the GEM as a quirky little electric microcar that’s been cruising through campuses, resorts, and planned communities for years. But now, it’s taking on a more serious job – saving lives. Waev Inc., the maker behind the long-running GEM electric vehicle line, has just unveiled the GEM Ambulance, a purpose-built, all-electric, street-legal low-speed vehicle (LSV) designed specifically for emergency medical services.
While it might not replace a full-size ambulance on high-speed highways, this new electric responder is tailor-made for the dense environments where conventional ambulances often struggle: college campuses, sporting events, entertainment venues, airports, and more. With a top speed of 25 mph, it’s built for maneuverability, safety, and zero-emission performance in pedestrian-heavy areas.
“The GEM Ambulance fills a critical gap in medical response – delivering the ideal balance of agility and safety EMS teams need in crowded settings,” said Byron Dudley, Vice President at Waev Inc.
The new GEM Ambulance is built on the same proven electric platform that has powered GEM vehicles for over 25 years. It’s a highly refined LSV that combines practical engineering with professional-grade EMS functionality. In partnership with emergency equipment supplier QTAC, Waev integrated a skid-mounted EMS system that includes secure patient transport, attendant seating, optional oxygen and IV mounts, and rugged PolyTough™ construction designed to handle demanding conditions.
Unlike golf carts or UTV-based setups that have been DIYed into emergency vehicles, the GEM Ambulance offers a more stable, comfortable, and professional platform. The EMS skid is positioned between the wheels for better weight distribution, and the vehicle’s low deck height and rear step-up provide easy access for patients and personnel alike.
The GEM Ambulance doesn’t skimp on emergency essentials either. It’s equipped with a 360-degree red emergency lighting system, an SAE Class 1-compliant siren with multiple sound patterns, a public address system, turn signals, LED headlights and taillights, and even a pedestrian noise emitter for quiet zones. A backup camera and full 360° sightlines give drivers added confidence when navigating tight environments.
And since it’s 100% electric, there’s no tailpipe emissions to worry about when operating indoors or in crowded spaces. Maintenance is minimal thanks to GEM’s maintenance-free batteries, regenerative braking, and corrosion-resistant aluminum frame. There’s even a seven-year warranty on the lithium-ion battery option.
The biggest surprise might be the price. According to Waev, the GEM Ambulance can cost up to 80% less than a traditional ambulance and 50% less than electric trucks or UTV-based alternatives. Plus, with operating costs of just $0.03 per mile, it promises long-term savings with no fuel, no fluids, and no downtime from engine servicing.
With applications ranging from college campuses and amusement parks to military installations and warehouse sites, the GEM Ambulance could be a game-changer for localized EMS response. It’s available now through GEM’s nationwide dealer network and can also be purchased through government contracts like Sourcewell, Texas BuyBoard, and GSA procurement channels.
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The Kia EV5 is officially heading to North America in early 2026, paving the way for a potential US launch. If so, it could go head-to-head with the Tesla Model Y.
Is Kia launching the EV5 in the US?
On Tuesday, Kia unveiled the new EV5, a global version of its electric SUV that has been sold in China since 2023.
Starting at around $20,000 (149,800 yuan), the EV5 is leading Kia’s comeback in China. It’s also a top-selling EV in Australia, where it’s exported from Kia’s Chinese joint venture, Yueda Kia.
The global version will be made in Korea with a few slight upgrades. For one, it’s powered by an 81.4 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery pack, rather than the BYD LFP Blade battery used in the version sold in China.
In Europe, the EV5 will be initially available in two variants: a baseline model and a GT-Line model. Both are powered by front-wheel drive (FWD) with up to 215 hp (160 kW) and 218 lb-ft (295 Nm) of torque.
The global version is 4,610 mm long, 1,875 mm wide, and 1,675 mm tall, or a bit smaller than the Tesla Model Y. It’s about the size of the Hyundai IONIQ 5.
Inside, you’ll find a setup similar to the EV9 and EV3, featuring Kia’s new ccNC (connected car Navigation Cockpit) infotainment system. The setup features a 12.3″ instrument cluster and a 12.3″ infotainment display in a panoramic format. There’s also an added 5.3″ climate control screen.
During the launch event, Kia said the “rollout begins” in Korea and Europe in the second half of 2025, adding North American sales will start in early 2026.
Does that include the US? I wouldn’t get my hopes up. In January, Kia announced the EV5 will be “exclusive to the Canadian market in North America.” It will begin arriving at dealerships in 2026.
However, it might make sense. The EV5 for North America will have a built-in NACS port, unlocking access to Tesla Superchargers. It will be available in both AWD and FWD powertrains. Two battery sizes will be offered, 60.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh, offering a range of up to 310 miles (500 km).
With sales of the EV6 and EV9 slipping nearly 50% each through the first half of the year in the US, the EV5 could complement the two.
Electrek’s Take
Although it’s still unlikely, the EV5 could serve as a potential electric alternative to the Sportage, Kia’s top-selling vehicle in the US.
Through June, Kia has sold over 87,000 Sportage models in the US. In comparison, it’s only sold 4,938 EV9s and 5,875 EV6 models.
Kia is launching the EV4, its first electric sedan, in the US early next year. However, a smaller compact electric SUV may be an even better fit.
It already builds the EV9 and EV6 in Georgia, so it could produce the EV5 in the US to avoid extra tariff costs. Or, it could even potentially be built at Hyundai’s new EV plant in Georgia. However, nothing is confirmed.
Would you buy the Kia EV5 in the US? Prices would likely start at around $50,000. Drop us a comment below and let us know your thoughts.
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