Battery Energy Storage: Blueprint for Safety

The battery energy storage industry has developed a comprehensive and proactive approach to ensuring safety across the United States. This Blueprint for Safety provides actionable and proven solutions for advancing safety at the national, state, and local levels. The industry is committed to swift action in partnership with fire departments, safety experts, policymakers, and regulators.

Battery energy storage projects are built to exceed the most rigorous safety standards. The implementation of robust national codes and advancements in BESS design have significantly improved fire safety and reduced risks. The certifications and standards that guide the safe design, installation, and operation of facilities include:

• UL 1973 and UL 9540: These certifications ensure the safety and performance of battery cells, modules, and packs, evaluating their ability to withstand thermal runaway, mechanical stress, and electrical faults.
• UL 9540A: This test evaluates thermal runaway propagation risks in battery energy storage systems, ensuring that fires are contained within a single unit.
• National standard: NFPA 855 provides mandatory requirements for the design, installation, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning of battery energy storage facilities. The industry advocates for the adoption and enforcement of NFPA 855 across various states to ensure uniform safety standards.

The battery energy storage community has developed a comprehensive three-part strategy designed to maximize the safety of all future and operating storage facilities:

1. Ensuring safety at new facilities: Promoting the adoption and enforcement of the latest national fire safety standards.
2. Advancing safety at operating facilities: Working with state and local officials to review and update safety standards at facilities built prior to NFPA 855.
3. Partnering with communities and fire officials: Engaging local communities and fire officials to address specific safety concerns and needs.

The battery energy storage industry is committed to safety through rigorous standards, certifications, and proactive collaboration with stakeholders. The goal is to ensure the safe and reliable performance of battery energy storage systems as critical grid infrastructure.