Critical Loop Deploys 25-MW Power System in Long Beach

A temporary microgrid bridges energy shortfalls for a new 1.18 million-square-foot manufacturing campus.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Data Centers

Isometric editorial illustration of an industrial power substation unit with cooling fans and heavy-duty cabling on an asphalt lot. — Critical Loop has deployed a 25-megawatt temporary power system to support Anduril Industries’ new $1 billion manufacturing campus in Long Beach. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Is the U.S. electrical grid failing to keep pace with new industrial and technology development?

In October 2026, Critical Loop installed a 25-MW temporary power system to support a major manufacturing campus spanning Long Beach and Lakewood. The infrastructure provides a bridge to meet energy demands until permanent capacity upgrades from Southern California Edison are completed.

Why it matters

The system ensures the facility has the power required to meet its March 1, 2027, operational deadline despite existing utility capacity limitations. It allows the campus to function while waiting for long-term electrical infrastructure improvements.

The system utilizes 12 MW/60 MWh of battery storage combined with 3.5 MW of generation, managed by Cygnus controllers and AC combiners. It operates under a non-export interconnection application following California Rule 21 guidelines.

The players

Critical Loop

This energy firm provides microgrid solutions and was named the preferred provider for SRG over a two-year period.

Anduril Industries

This defense technology company acts as the primary tenant for the new Long Beach manufacturing facility.

Southern California Edison

This utility provider manages the regional power grid and is currently working on capacity upgrades for the campus area.

The details

Tenant Anduril Industries occupies the 1.18 million-square-foot facility, which represents a $1 billion investment and is set to support 5,500 jobs. The temporary system is planned to bridge the power gap for an 18-month duration.

September 29, 2026: Anduril confirmed the status of the campus construction.
October 2026: Critical Loop installed the temporary 25-MW power system.
Late February 2027: The first buildings are expected to energize.
March 1, 2027: The tenant requires sufficient power to be available.
2027: The manufacturing campus is scheduled to open.

The Tech Race

This project reflects a broader trend of industrial tenants bypassing delayed grid upgrades through modular, private microgrid infrastructure. It positions companies to maintain tight production timelines by integrating battery storage and on-site generation as standard operating procedure.

The deployment allows the manufacturing facility to move forward with hiring 5,500 employees, impacting local job availability and economic growth. Residents and local businesses benefit from the activation of the $1 billion investment while utility upgrades continue behind the scenes.

The takeaway

Temporary microgrids provide a vital stopgap for large-scale developments facing utility constraints. Implementing flexible storage solutions allows major employers to meet production schedules even when traditional power infrastructure lags behind demand.