Pasadena Secures $9.66 Million for First Battery Storage System

Pasadena will install its first major battery energy storage system after securing a $9.66 million state grant.

The California Energy Commission (CEC) awarded the funds through its Distributed Electricity Backup Assets program. The battery system will be built at the Glenarm Power Plant.

Construction begins in 2026, according to a city announcement. The facility goes online in 2027.

The 25-megawatt system will store 100 megawatt-hours of electricity, the statement said. That’s enough to power the grid for four hours during peak demand.

“Investments in energy storage solutions and distributed energy resources are at the forefront of Pasadena’s goal to source 100% carbon free electricity by the end of 2030,” said David Reyes, Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) General Manager.

The battery technology serves multiple purposes. It will maintain electric reliability during extreme weather events, it can restart the grid after a complete shutdown, and it bolsters energy resilience during outages.

CEC Vice Chair Siva Gunda praised the collaboration. He said the project shows “how local and state action can work hand-in-hand, to bring innovative solutions that strengthen California’s grid during heatwaves.”

The storage system strengthens community protection during outages, Gunda added.

PWP also secured three other clean energy grants. The U.S. Department of Energy provided two vouchers worth up to $250,000 combined. The funding will support feasibility studies for long-duration energy storage projects.

One study examines potential sites citywide. Another evaluates converting the retired Broadway Power Plant for energy storage use.

The American Public Power Association also awarded Pasadena $60,000 for a rooftop wind microturbine pilot. A wind turbine will be installed on a city building by September 2027.

All studies complete by September 2027, PWP said.

Pasadena Water and Power serves more than 65,000 electricity customers. The municipal utility also delivers water to nearly 38,000 households and businesses.