What is a typical energy storage deployment?

A typical energy storage deployment will consist of multiple project phases, including (1) planning (project initiation, development, and design activities), (2) procurement, (3) construction, (4) acceptance testing (i.e., commissioning), (5) operations and maintenance, and (6) decommissioning.

Who should oversee energy storage projects?

A qualified professional engineer or firm should always be contracted to oversee any energy storage project. This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States Government.

What's new in energy storage safety?

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.

Are energy storage systems safe for commercial buildings?

For all of the technologies listed, as long as appropriate high voltage safety procedures are followed, energy storage systems can be a safe source of power in commercial buildings. For more information on specific technologies, please see the DOE/EPRI Electricity Storage Handbook available at:

What is energy storage?

Basics of Energy Storage Energy storage refers to resources which can serve as both electrical load by consuming power while charging and electrical generation by releasing power while discharging. Energy storage comes in a variety of forms, including mechanical (e.g., pumped hydro), thermal (e.g., ice/water), and electrochemical (e.g., batteries).

Who should consider adding energy storage to a commercial building?

This guide is intended for anyone investigating the addition of energy storage to a single or multiple commercial buildings. This could include building energy managers, facility managers, and property managers in a variety of sectors.