Energy Vault Holdings Inc. and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) have announced the completion and start of commercial operations at the Calistoga Resiliency Center (CRC), a hybrid microgrid energy storage facility in Calistoga, California. The CRC integrates hydrogen fuel cells with lithium-ion batteries to provide a sustainable solution for power resiliency, especially during wildfire-related Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS).
The new system serves about 1,600 PG&E customers in downtown Calistoga and nearby areas. It is designed to maintain power during PSPS events, supplying at least 48 hours of continuous electricity with a peak output of 8.5 megawatts. The zero-emission system meets California’s Renewable Portfolio Standard and supports PG&E’s requirements for long-duration energy storage.
Craig Horne, Senior Vice President of Advanced Energy Solutions at Energy Vault, stated: “This project is a major milestone in our mission to deliver sustainable, resilient energy solutions to communities most vulnerable to climate-driven grid disruptions. The Calistoga Resiliency Center exemplifies the power of innovation and partnership, and it marks a significant step forward in the execution of our ‘Own & Operate’ strategy, which enables us to deliver long-term value through recurring revenue and community impact.”
When operating independently from the main grid (“island mode”), the CRC uses hydrogen fuel cells for electricity generation while Energy Vault’s B-VAULT DC battery technology ensures immediate response and stability. Liquid hydrogen can be delivered and transferred into onsite storage without disrupting power supply.
The project was completed after securing $28 million in financing, including proceeds from the sale of an Investment Tax Credit related to the facility. Energy Vault owns and operates the center under a long-term agreement with PG&E as utility partner.
Mike Delaney, Vice President of Utility Partnerships and Innovation at PG&E, commented: “PG&E is committed to continually delivering innovations that enhance electric system safety and reliability while driving costs down for our customers. The Calistoga Resiliency Center is another step toward fulfilling that commitment. It is the right solution for PG&E, for Calistoga, and for the planet.”
Since 2021, PG&E has installed 13 distribution microgrids aimed at supporting communities affected by PSPS events. The Calistoga facility is noted as both the largest such installation by PG&E so far and its first fully renewable system. These microgrids are intended to keep essential services powered during outages.
PG&E also supports community-driven microgrid projects through its Community Microgrid Enablement Program (CMEP) and Microgrid Incentive Program (MIP). In March 2025, it allocated up to $43 million for nine new community microgrids in Northern California’s North Coast region.
Additionally, PG&E provides Remote Grid services designed for high fire-risk areas where traditional overhead lines pose wildfire risks.
Energy Vault specializes in utility-scale energy storage solutions using proprietary battery systems as well as gravity-based and green hydrogen technologies. Since 2024, it has pursued an “Own & Operate” strategy focused on generating recurring revenue from managed assets.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company serves more than sixteen million people across Northern and Central California over an area of 70,000 square miles.
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