Redwood Coast Energy Authority, in collaboration with the Schatz Energy Research Center, is hosting a free public workshop on grid-supporting battery energy storage.
This event will feature a presentation and panel discussion that explores how large-scale utility battery storage works, its role in supporting California’s grid, and how storage projects can differ in purpose, safety, size, and benefits.
Learn about existing projects in Humboldt County that support public services, such as the Redwood Coast Airport Microgrid and the Blue Lake Rancheria Microgrid, as well as our current needs for new storage development to enhance local energy reliability and maximize the benefits of solar generation.
This workshop will feature interactive segments, including small group conversations and a Q&A session, where community members will have the opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and discuss locations across Humboldt County where battery storage could help meet reliability needs.
All are welcome. No RSVP required.
A recording of this community conversation will be available on our website after the event.
For more information, visit redwoodenergy.org or call (707) 269-1700.
Speakers & Panelists
Peter Alstone, Ph.D.
Peter Alstone is an Associate Professor in the School of Engineering at Cal Poly Humboldt and a Faculty Scientist at the Schatz Energy Research Center. His research focus areas currently include community-based energy planning, air quality infrastructure, energy policy, and microgrid R&D.
Jim Zoellick
Jim Zoellick is a Principal Engineer at the Schatz Energy Research Center where he has worked for the last 30 years. His work focuses on renewable energy planning, analysis, and deployment. His current areas of focus include community microgrids and electrical transmission infrastructure to support offshore wind energy on the North Coast.
Richard Engel
Richard Engel has worked at Redwood Coast Energy Authority for nine years where he is the director of power resources, overseeing administration of the community choice energy program, power procurement, and customer account management.
Previously, Richard worked for the Schatz Energy Research Center developing hydrogen fuel cells and other advanced energy technologies as well as developing clean energy programs at several northern California local governments. He earned his B.S. in environmental resources engineering at Humboldt State University, and he has worked for local government energy programs in San Francisco, Palo Alto, and Sonoma County.
Natalie Arroyo
Natalie Arroyo currently serves as an elected member of the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors representing District 4. She has worked on a wide range of watershed restoration, public health, and community organizing projects throughout Humboldt County and neighboring Northern California over the past 15+ years.
Natalie earned her Master’s of Science from Cal Poly Humboldt and is a lecturer in the Department of Environmental Science and Management. She is passionate about watershed health, energy resilience, active forms of transportation, effective community engagement, and the relationship between people and place – particularly in rural and geographically isolated community settings.
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