The Laguna Niguel Beacon

Proposed Battery Energy Storage Systems Project: Current Status & Next Steps

The City of Laguna Niguel is actively opposing a proposed Battery Energy Storage System Project that poses a significant fire risk and other safety concerns, threatening the well-being and public safety of Laguna Niguel residents. This communication highlights a project overview, latest development and actions, and important next steps.

Project Overview

Compass Energy Storage, LLC proposes to construct, own, and operate an approximately 250-megawatt Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility in the City of San Juan Capistrano. The approximately 13-acre project site is located within the northern portion of the City of San Juan Capistrano, adjacent to Camino Capistrano, Interstate-5 to the east, and approximately 1,500 feet from Laguna Niguel homes.

Compass Energy Storage is pursuing state approval via the California Energy Commission (CEC), as allowed under state law designed to facilitate renewable energy projects. On April 30, 2025, the CEC deemed the Compass Energy Storage project application complete, and the CEC is now required to approve or deny the proposed project within 270 days or as soon as practicable thereafter.

Latest Developments and Actions

On May 29, 2025, and June 3, 2025, the CEC hosted an Informational and Environmental Scoping Meeting. During the meeting, the CEC provided an overview of the State's review process, while Compass Energy Storage presented its proposed plans for constructing and operating the project. Following presentations by the CEC and Compass Energy Storage, dozens of public comments were made, with the vast majority in opposition to the project.

Current Status and Next Steps

The California Energy Commission (CEC) is currently reviewing the project application and is preparing a draft Environmental Impact Report, which is tentatively scheduled for release in Fall 2025. During this time, the City encourages residents and concerned community members to continue to voice their opposition to the proposed project directly to the CEC by filling out a comment form on the Commission's website. Once the draft Environmental Impact Report is published, the CEC will host a public meeting in the local area. A draft timeline of the 270-day State Review Process is illustrated below.

The City of Laguna Niguel will continue to provide updates on the status of the proposed BESS project in the coming months. Additional information about the proposed project and the State's review process can be found on the City's dedicated webpage atcityoflagunaniguel.org/bess.