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The Black Walnut battery storage project in Santa Paula, California, was inaugurated on March 12, 2026, following a $20 million investment. This facility converts a former truck parking area into a 15 megawatt energy storage site, sufficient to power approximately 15,000 households.

Developed by Newport Beach-based esVolta, the project aims to stabilize the power grid during peak demand periods and supports renewable energy usage. The site is monitored continuously for safety, with emergency plans established for lithium-ion battery hazards. The Black Walnut project complements an adjacent 30 megawatt battery facility and addresses local grid capacity challenges, particularly as demand for electricity grows due to air conditioning and new manufacturing.