(39b) Effective Management of Process Safety and Fire Risks at Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

Global demand for batteries is increasing, driven largely by the imperative to reduce carbon and climate change impacts through electrification of mobile vehicles and a more comprehensive energy transition away from fossil fuels. A recent report by McKinsey and the Global Battery Alliance (GBA), indicates that the lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery chain, from mining through recycling, could grow by over 30 percent annually from 2022 to 2030, when it would reach a value of more than $400 billion and a market size of 4.7 TWh.¹ At the same time however we are seeing an increase in Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) fires as highlighted by multiple incidents in New York, California, Arizona, and elsewhere in 2023. It is imperative that we understand the fire and explosion risks associated with BESS, actively take steps to mitigate these hazards during design, construction, and operation, and fully define and plan for the negative toxic, thermal, and environmental impacts associated with these systems when events occur.

This paper/presentation will focus on requirements/programs to effectively manage fire/explosion risk for BESS with an overview of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 855, “ Standard for the Installation of Energy Storage Systems and other related NFPA, Underwriters Laboratories (UL), and Factory Mutual (FM) requirements. Items to be discussed will include:

• Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs) and Best Management Practices (BMPs);
• Hazards Mitigation Plans (HMPs);
• Fire System Design for Effective Mitigation;
• Fire and Explosion Scenario Analysis / Modeling;
• Emergency Response and Post Event Considerations; and
• Case studies based on recent Process Safety Events (PSEs).

The concepts will be reinforced with data from multiple case studies from recent incidents with specific insights from the speaker who has participated as an expert witness in testimony on the safe construction and operation of BESS at a number of locations across the United States.