Fire situation in energy storage industry

Does your energy storage system have quality issues?

Around 26% of energy storage systems that were inspected by Clean Energy Associates (CEA) during a recent survey showed quality issues connected to their fire detection and suppression systems, according to a report from the clean energy advisory company.

Are battery energy storage systems dangerous?

“Fire suppression and thermal management systems are critical for functional safety, and defects in these systems can lead to increased risk of fire,” the report said. CEA conducted more than 320 inspections on over 52 battery energy storage system factors, collectively auditing over 30 GWh of lithium-ion battery storage projects.

Do energy storage systems have problems with thermal management systems?

In addition, the survey found 18% of the energy storage systems had issues with the thermal management system. “Fire suppression and thermal management systems are critical for functional safety, and defects in these systems can lead to increased risk of fire,” the report said.

Do fire departments need better training to deal with energy storage system hazards?

Fire departments need data, research, and better training to deal with energy storage system (ESS) hazards. These are the key findings shared by UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) and presented by Sean DeCrane, International Association of Fire Fighters Director of Health and Safety Operational Services at SEAC’s May 2023 General Meeting.

Are lithium-ion battery energy storage systems safe?

As renewable energy infrastructure gathers pace worldwide, new solutions are needed to handle the fire and explosion risks associated with lithium-ion battery energy storage systems (BESS) in a worst-case scenario. Industrial safety solutions provider Fike and Matt Deadman, Director of Kent Fire and Rescue Service, address this serious issue.

Can energy storage be fully unleashed?

Image: Wärtsilä. Energy storage’s incredible versatility and usefulness to the US electric grid, and to the global energy transition, can’t be fully unleashed unless the industry and its stakeholders take a comprehensive approach to fire safety, write Nick Warner of Energy Safety Response Group (ESRG) and Darrell Furlong, Wärtsilä.