Safety is the highest priority for our industry—a commitment reflected by rigorous safety standards and partnerships with the fire service that guide planning, developing, and operating each energy storage project. Fire incidents at energy storage facilities are extremely rare and remain isolated.
These established safety standards, like NFPA 855 and UL 9540, ensure that all aspects of an energy storage project are designed, built, and operated with safety as the highest priority. Energy storage facilities are monitored 24/7 by trained personnel prepared to maintain safety and respond to emergency events.
Since the publication of the first Energy Storage Safety Strategic Plan in 2014, there have been introductions of new technologies, new use cases, and new codes, standards, regulations, and testing methods. Additionally, failures in deployed energy storage systems (ESS) have led to new emergency response best practices.
The U.S. energy storage industry strives to not only meet but exceed the most rigorous safety codes and standards. Established standards ensure that energy storage facilities incorporate the most advanced safety features. The industry promotes the adoption of these standards in communities across America.
The energy storage industry is committed to partnering with the fire service to promote safe and reliable operation. From the blueprint of a project site to the specially engineered battery containers, energy storage projects are inherently designed to perform safely and reliably on the grid.
Energy storage safety gaps identified in 2014 and 2023. Several gap areas were identified for validated safety and reliability, with an emphasis on Li-ion system design and operation but a recognition that significant research is needed to identify the risks of emerging technologies.
The purpose of these Guidelines is to: (1) guide users to current codes and standards that support the safe design and planning, operations, and decommissioning of grid-connected energy
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Safety is the highest priority for our industry—a commitment reflected by rigorous safety standards and partnerships with the fire service that guide planning, developing, and operating each
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Discover best practices and standards for energy storage safety, ensuring reliable, clean power with top safety measures in place.
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The Department of Energy Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability Energy Storage Program would like to acknowledge the external advisory board that contributed to the topic
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NFPA is keeping pace with the surge in energy storage and solar technology by undertaking initiatives including training, standards development, and research so that various stakeholders
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The energy storage industry is committed to working with state and local oficials to review the existing fleet of battery energy storage facilities across California for potential safety risks and
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The potential safety issues associated with ESS and lithium-ion bateries may be best understood by examining a case involving a major explosion and fire at an energy storage facility in
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Energy storage is no different: with use of best practices and the proper design and operations, these facilities can mitigate risks and maintain safety while supporting reliable, clean electric service.
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This webpage includes information from first responder and industry guidance as well as background information on battery energy storage systems (challenges & fires), BESS
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