Is BESS best? Why battery energy storage systems can be a hazard to firefighters
Iain Hoey
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By Duncan J. White, IFSJ Managing Editor
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are a crucial component of the global energy transition, enabling grid stability, facilitating the integration of renewable energy, and providing backup power.
However, as their use becomes more widespread, the risks they pose, especially to firefighters, have come under increasing scrutiny.
While these systems promise environmental and economic benefits, they also introduce a complex set of hazards that can pose a challenge to even the most experienced emergency responders.
One of the most pressing concerns is the risk of thermal runaway.
Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in BESS, are susceptible to overheating.
When a cell fails, due to manufacturing defects, mechanical damage, or electrical faults, it can trigger a chain reaction of cell failures.
This phenomenon can cause intense fires that are extremely difficult to extinguish.
In some cases, BESS fires can smoulder or reignite for days, making containment a logistical and safety nightmare.
Firefighters are particularly vulnerable because these fires do not behave like typical structural or vehicle fires.
Standard suppression methods, including water or foam, may be ineffective or even dangerous when used on energised battery systems.
In some cases, applying water can lead to the production of hydrogen gas, creating an explosive environment.
Furthermore, the release of toxic gases, such as hydrogen fluoride, during a BESS fire presents serious respiratory and environmental hazards, especially in confined or urban spaces.
Complicating matters further is the limited access to system information during emergencies.
Firefighters often arrive at BESS incidents without real-time data about the state of charge, temperature, or fault locations within the battery array.
Without this critical intelligence, first responders are forced to make dynamic decisions with incomplete information, increasing the risk to both personnel and the public.
There is also a significant training gap.
Many fire services/departments, particularly in smaller or rural jurisdictions, are not adequately trained or equipped to deal with the unique risks from BESS incidents.
As the deployment of these systems accelerates, training and standardised protocols have not kept pace, leaving responders exposed to unfamiliar and potentially lethal hazards.
To mitigate these dangers, collaboration is key.
Manufacturers must design systems with firefighter safety in mind, including clear labelling, remote monitoring, emergency shutdown capabilities, and accessible fire response data.
Meanwhile, regulators and municipalities must push for mandatory training and updated fire codes specific to energy storage systems.
While BESS technologies are essential for a sustainable energy future, we must not overlook the safety of those who stand on the front lines.
By acknowledging and addressing the hazards these systems pose to firefighters, we can ensure progress doesn’t come at the cost of human lives.
Stay safe!