What can go wrong with a battery energy storage system?

Figure 2: Example Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) What can go wrong? Like all electrical systems operating at high voltage, a battery facility poses traditional hazards such as arc flashing, electrocution and electrical fires. These hazards are well-known, and the controls understood.

Are energy storage systems safe?

Altogether, like other electric grid infrastructure, energy storage systems are highly regulated and there are established safety designs, features, and practices proven to eliminate risks to operators, firefighters, and the broader community.

Are battery energy storage facilities safe?

FACTS: No deaths have resulted from energy storage facilities in the United States. Battery energy storage facilities are very different from consumer electronics, with secure, highly regulated electric infrastructure that use robust codes and standards to guide and maintain safety.

Is utility-scale battery energy storage safe?

Utility-scale battery energy storage is safe and highly regulated, growing safer as technology advances and as regulations adopt the most up-to-date safety standards. Discover more about energy storage & safety at EnergyStorage.org

What is a battery energy storage system?

Battery energy storage systems (BESS) stabilize the electrical grid, ensuring a steady flow of power to homes and businesses regardless of fluctuations from varied energy sources or other disruptions. However, fires at some BESS installations have caused concern in communities considering BESS as a method to support their grids.

Are battery facilities a fire hazard?

Like all electrical systems operating at high voltage, a battery facility poses traditional hazards such as arc flashing, electrocution and electrical fires. These hazards are well-known, and the controls understood. However, the US-based National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has highlighted four hazards specific to BESS (Ref. 5). 1.