Energy storage power station fire training record

Do fire departments need better training to deal with energy storage system hazards?

Fire departments need data, research, and better training to deal with energy storage system (ESS) hazards. These are the key findings shared by UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute (FSRI) and presented by Sean DeCrane, International Association of Fire Fighters Director of Health and Safety Operational Services at SEAC’s May 2023 General Meeting.

What is battery energy storage fire prevention & mitigation?

In 2019, EPRI began the Battery Energy Storage Fire Prevention and Mitigation – Phase I research project, convened a group of experts, and conducted a series of energy storage site surveys and industry workshops to identify critical research and development (R&D) needs regarding battery safety.

What are battery storage fire safety initiatives?

These initiatives have included creating a battery storage fire safety roadmap, developing recommendations and leading practices for designing systems, and training and working with first responders responsible for putting out fires.

Where can I find information on energy storage failures?

For up-to-date public data on energy storage failures, see the EPRI BESS Failure Event Database.2 The Energy Storage Integration Coun-cil (ESIC) Energy Storage Reference Fire Hazard Mitigation Analysis (ESIC Reference HMA),3 illustrates the complexity of achieving safe storage systems.

What should first responders know about energy storage systems?

This document provides guidance to first responders for incidents involving energy storage systems (ESS). The guidance is specific to ESS with lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, but some elements may apply to other technologies also. Hazards addressed include fire, explosion, arc flash, shock, and toxic chemicals.

How many energy storage battery fires are there?

Unfortunately, there have been a large number of energy storage battery fires in the past few years. For example, in South Korea, which has by far the largest number of energy storage battery installations, there were 23 reported fires between August 2017 and December 2018 according to the Korea Joongang Daily (2019).