Are energy storage facilities safe?

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.

How do energy storage facilities maintain safety?

Facilities use multiple strategies to maintain safety, including using established safety equipment and techniques to ensure that operation of the battery systems are conducted safely. Energy storage technologies are a critical resource for America’s power grid, boosting reliability and lowering costs for families and businesses.

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 dangerous?

In general, energy that is stored has the potential for release in an uncontrolled manner, potentially endangering equipment, the environment, or people. All energy storage systems have hazards. Some hazards are easily mitigated to reduce risk, and others require more dedicated planning and execution to maintain safety.

Are new energy storage systems safe?

Interest in storage safety considerations is substantially increasing, yet newer system designs can be quite different than prior versions in terms of risk mitigation. An uncontrolled release of energy is an inevitable and dangerous possibility with storing energy in any form.

How does the energy storage industry promote safety?

The energy storage industry is continually promoting safety, encouraging localities across the country to adopt robust safety standards, collaborating with first-responder groups and fire service organizations, and sharing lessons learned and safety resources.