Grid-level energy storage safety system

Are grid-scale battery energy storage systems safe?

Despite widely known hazards and safety design of grid-scale battery energy storage systems, there is a lack of established risk management schemes and models as compared to the chemical, aviation, nuclear and the petroleum industry.

What is a battery energy storage system?

One of the main uses for battery energy storage systems is to provide system services such as fast acting frequency response and energy reserves that can replace the need to use fossil fuel generators for these services.

Are battery energy storage systems safe?

Safety incidents are, on the whole, extremely rare due to the incorporation of prevention, protection and mitigation measures in the design and operation of storage systems. A common concern raised by some communities living close to sites identified for battery energy storage systems is around the risk of fire.

Can flow batteries be used in grid energy storage applications?

However, these systems are still in the developmental stage and currently suffer from poor cycle life, preventing their use in grid energy storage applications. Flow batteries store energy in electrolyte solutions which contain two redox couples pumped through the battery cell stack.

Why is safety important in energy storage systems?

Safety is fundamental to the development and design of energy storage systems. Each energy storage unit has multiple layers of prevention, protection and mitigation systems (detailed further in Section 4). These minimise the risk of overcharge, overheating or mechanical damage that could result in an incident such as a fire.

Are battery energy storage sites at risk of fire?

A common concern raised by some communities living close to sites identified for battery energy storage systems is around the risk of fire. In this section we will outline how this threat is guarded against but first it is important to understand where the risk of a fire comes from.