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.

Are large-scale battery energy storage systems safe?

Large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS), particularly those using lithium-ion batteries, present several safety concerns despite advancements in technology and regulation: Lithium-ion batteries are prone to thermal runaway —a self-sustaining chain reaction causing rapid overheating, fires, and potential explosions.

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.

Can a battery energy storage system go bad?

While it’s important to understand how dangerous a battery energy storage system can be when it goes bad, the hazards and exposures can vary depending on how the system is set up. Trudeau uses the example of a hospital replacing part of its uninterruptible power source with a standard 20-foot container of lithium-ion batteries.

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

Is battery storage a bad policy?

"Simply put, it is not just a bad policy, but a dangerous one, and the city is literally playing with fire by allowing this to happen." Holden is talking about proposals to build more battery energy storage system (Bess) centres - large-scale power storage sites based on the same lithium-ion batteries that are used in laptops and electric cars.