The American Clean Power Association (A) has unveiled a comprehensive framework to enhance the safety of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the U.S. This initiative is informed by a newly conducted assessment of past fire incidents at BESS facilities, reinforcing the industry's commitment to rigorous safety standards. 6k4f2x

The assessment, conducted by the Fire and Risk Alliance, examined historical fire incidents in the U.S. over the past decade, analyzing environmental data and scientific studies. Findings indicate that no incidents studied have had adverse effects on public health or surrounding communities. A’s Battery Storage Blueprint for Safety provides key policy recommendations for state and local governments to enforce stringent safety standards and improve emergency response coordination.

“The energy storage industry is dedicated to proactive and relentless safety measures,” said Noah Roberts, A Vice President of Energy Storage. “Battery storage systems are essential infrastructure, ensuring grid reliability and protecting communities from power outages. Every community should have confidence that their battery storage facilities adhere to the highest safety standards, which is why we have released this actionable safety blueprint.”

Assessment confirms battery storage safety measures are effective 5e4w1y

A major takeaway from the assessment is that environmental sampling from past BESS fire incidents did not reveal contaminant levels posing public health risks or necessitating remediation. The investigation into the Moss Landing facility fire, considered an outlier due to its location in a 1950s gas turbine hall, further underscores the importance of modern safety designs and standards.

“Many early-generation BESS fires occurred before the implementation of today’s advanced safety standards,” the report states. “Modern energy storage system designs and robust national codes have significantly enhanced fire safety and minimized risks.”

Industry pushes for America’s most rigorous safety standards 153118

A critical element of the Battery Storage Blueprint for Safety is ensuring compliance with NFPA 855, the National Fire Protection Association’s energy storage standard.

Several states have already taken action:

• Michigan & Indiana: ed laws mandating NFPA 855 compliance.
  
  
• Maryland & New York: Enacted regulations enforcing NFPA 855 standards.
  
  
• California: Introduced policy recommendations in response to the Moss Landing incident, prioritizing NFPA 855 enforcement.

The industry acknowledges that state and local governments play a crucial role in battery storage safety. To aid in the development of effective policies, A has introduced the Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage Systems Model Ordinance, which integrates NFPA 855 as a core principle for permitting regulations.

With the 2026 edition of NFPA 855 expected in 2025, the industry is already preparing to update the Model Ordinance accordingly.

To ensure the responsible deployment of battery storage, A has developed a three-pronged strategy:

1. Ensuring safety at future facilities: Mandating compliance with the latest NFPA 855 standard and urging state and local adoption.
   
   
2. Enhancing safety at existing sites: Evaluating pre-2019 facilities for potential hazards and requiring mitigation measures like fire barriers and engineered solutions.
   
   
3. Strengthening coordination with fire departments & communities: Regular collaboration between industry stakeholders and emergency responders to refine safety protocols and training programs.

The energy storage industry remains committed to working alongside fire departments, safety experts, policymakers, and regulators to implement these safety measures and protect communities nationwide.