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.

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 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.

What are the safety concerns with thermal energy storage?

The main safety concerns with thermal energy storage are all heat-related. Good thermal insulation is needed to reduce heat losses as well as to prevent burns and other heat-related injuries. Molten salt storage requires consideration of the toxicity of the materials and difficulty of handling corrosive fluids.

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 are the three pillars of energy storage safety?

A framework is provided for evaluating issues in emerging electrochemical energy storage technologies. The report concludes with the identification of priorities for advancement of the three pillars of energy storage safety: 1) science-based safety validation, 2) incident preparedness and response, 3) codes and standards.