Panel to examine lithium-ion battery safety at Birmingham expo
Iain Hoey
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Industry panel to discuss lithium-ion battery risks
S Jones Containers has announced it will host a panel discussion on lithium-ion battery safety at the Battery Cells & Systems Expo in Birmingham on 9 July.
According to S Jones Containers, the session will examine challenges related to battery innovation, testing, and fire safety in the context of electric vehicle (EV) technology.
The discussion, titled Electric Revolution, Safety Evolution: Mastering Safety in Li-ion EV Battery Innovation, will feature contributions from Warwick Manufacturing Group and the Fire Protection Association.
The session will be held at 10am on the Gallery Floor’s Interactive Sessions stage at the NEC.
S Jones Containers stated that the event will offer guidance on battery storage design and provide insights into embedding fire safety across battery system development.
Speakers to address battery fire science and incident response
S Jones Containers confirmed that Andrew Nicholls, Head of Conversions at the company, will chair the panel.
Nicholls will be joined by Dr Simon Jones, Chief Engineer at the Energy Innovation Centre, Warwick Manufacturing Group.
Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) is an academic department within the University of Warwick and part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult.
The organisation said WMG’s research supports advancements in battery production methods and materials in the UK.
George Edwardes, Technical Director at the Fire Protection Association (FPA), will also participate in the panel.
The FPA provides testing services, research and safety advice on lithium-ion battery hazards.
Panel aims to share lessons from real incidents
The company said the session will be informed by practical experience with real-world battery fire incidents and test conditions.
It explained that this will include discussion of destructive testing practices using modified container environments.
S Jones Containers previously supported research organisations with bespoke shipping containers for battery testing.
Andrew Nicholls said: “Having supported pioneering organisations through our supply of bespoke, high specification modified shipping containers for destructive battery testing and research purposes, it’s become clear to us that current regulations don’t reflect the risks relating to lithium-ion batteries.
“We’re looking forward to sharing knowledge and insights at the upcoming Battery Cells & Systems Expo, supported by Warwick Manufacturing Group and the Fire Protection Association – both of which are leading organisations in the EV battery revolution.
“The session is a must-attend for those aiming to innovate responsibly while protecting people, property, and progress.”
Industry collaboration at Battery Cells & Systems Expo
According to the company, the seminar reflects its continuing involvement in national discussions on battery fire safety.
S Jones Containers stated that this panel builds on its recent appearance at the Fire Safety Event in April.
That earlier session focused on hazards associated with energy storage and attracted large audience numbers, it reported.
The company added that its latest participation at the NEC reflects a growing industry focus on the integration of fire protection into EV battery design.
Safety standards and regulation to be examined
The company noted that regulation remains a recurring theme across discussions on lithium-ion battery deployment.
According to S Jones Containers, the seminar will address the gap between current legislation and known battery risks.
It said the session will highlight how existing safety guidelines may not fully account for evolving technologies in EV systems.
The Fire Protection Association’s contribution will include guidance on emerging test protocols and fire research findings.
WMG will present insights from its work on battery material behaviour, containment approaches and engineering control measures.
UK panel to examine lithium-ion battery safety at Birmingham expo: Summary
S Jones Containers will host a battery safety seminar on 9 July at the NEC in Birmingham.
The event will be held during the Battery Cells & Systems Expo.
It will focus on risks related to lithium-ion battery manufacturing, testing and storage.
Speakers include Andrew Nicholls of S Jones Containers, Dr Simon Jones of Warwick Manufacturing Group, and George Edwardes of the Fire Protection Association.
The session will be chaired by Andrew Nicholls.
S Jones Containers stated the discussion will offer practical guidance on battery storage safety.
The company confirmed it will address lessons from real-world incidents.
It said that earlier engagement at the Fire Safety Event informed this upcoming seminar.
Warwick Manufacturing Group will share research on energy innovation and battery testing.
The Fire Protection Association will provide input on fire research and risk guidance.
The session will begin at 10am on the Gallery Floor’s Interactive Sessions stage.