What is the safe distance for new energy storage

Is energy storage safe?

Although rare, ESS fires and explosions are a possibility that should be acknowledged and prepared for. Installing UL-certified systems to NFPA standards ensures that energy storage is a safe option for everyday power needs.

Are large-scale energy storage systems safe?

Large-scale energy storage systems pose a greater risk for property and life loss than smaller systems due to their size. NFPA 855 requires 3 ft of space between every 50 kWh of energy storage for safety. However, the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) can approve closer proximities for larger storage systems based on thermal runaway test results from UL 9540A.

Is energy storage a permanent solution?

Despite the uncertainty of future economics, the trend is clear: energy storage is here to stay. The high capital expenditure, long storage system lifespans, and uncertain policy changes make costs uncertain, but the still-falling costs and exponential increase in capacity demonstrate this.

Are battery energy storage systems a fire hazard mitigation strategy?

The challenges of providing effective fire and explosion hazard mitigation strategies for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are receiving appreciable attention, given that renewable energy production has evolved significantly in recent years and is projected to account for 80% of new power generation capacity in 2030 (WEO, 2023).