The Port of Long Beach has published a draft study examining the creation of a 70 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) that would provide additional capacity requested by the California Public Utilities Commission. The goal of this project is to strengthen grid reliability as the state advances its energy transition. 

The proposal by Pier S Energy Storage LLC aims to construct and operate the BESS on 2.9 acres of a privately owned 18.03-acre power generation site, located at 2665 Pier S Lane within the Long Beach Harbor District. Associated infrastructure upgrades will be made on an adjacent 1.5-acre parcel of a 23.49-acre Southern California Edison (SCE) property. 

Project details 

According to the port, the proposed project would install up to 200 individual metal containers, each containing lithium-ion battery cells, a direct current collection system, an alternating current system for auxiliary power, a communications network, a fire suppression system, a power conversion system to connect the BESS, and a new 66 kV substation to transform the voltage between the power conversion system and the substation transmission system. The property has been owned since 2021 by Generation Bridge, a subsidiary of ArcLight Energy Partners Fund. 

The 66 kV SCE Long Beach Bus Substation adjacent to the proposed project site to the north would also be upgraded. Additionally, the project proposes demolishing three buildings and sections of abandoned concrete saltwater intake pipes. 

The port will hold two public meetings in January 2025, one in person and one virtual, to request comments regarding the content of the draft IS/MND and the application summary report. 

The Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners is expected to hold a public hearing at a later date to consider adoption of the Final IS/MND and Application Summary Report and approval of the proposed project.