Wired for risk built for safety, with Flare
Isabelle Crow
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Keith Robertson, Sales Director at Flare, discusses how lessons from oil and gas safety are guiding fire protection in wind farms and battery storage facilities
The expansion of alternative energy infrastructure has introduced different fire risks, but many of the mitigation strategies draw directly from established practices in oil and gas. Flare brings its decade of experience from the oil and gas sector, applying the same rigorous safety principles to protect renewable energy infrastructure.
In this interview, we explore how Flare’s expertise in high-risk environments translates to the renewable sector, the unique fire challenges posed by alternative energy and how regulations are evolving to meet these emerging risks. We’ll also discuss the practical fire safety solutions available and what the future holds for fire protection in this rapidly growing industry.
To start, could you introduce yourself and tell us about Flare?
I’m Keith Robertson, Sales Director and one of the founders of Flare. This year, we’re celebrating our 10th anniversary, a milestone we’re incredibly proud of. We founded Flare during a major economic downturn, but we built the company on a strong commitment to safety, quality and customer service. That focus has allowed us to grow steadily, expanding our expertise across high-risk industries like oil & gas, the marine sector and, more recently, renewable energy.
I’ve spent my entire career in offshore safety and fire protection has always been a passion.
At Flare, we specialise in fire protection systems, servicing and compliance, ensuring that critical assets and personnel are safeguarded against fire hazards.
Keith Robertson
What role does the company play in fire safety for alternative energy?
Right now, our involvement is within the wind sector. We’ve provided fire protection services for offshore and onshore wind farms, including suppression systems, fire and gas detection and maintenance of critical safety equipment. For example, we’ve worked with major projects like the Cobra Wind Farm, one of Europe’s largest floating wind farms when it was first built and Hornsea One, the largest fixed offshore wind farm.
What specific fire safety services do you provide for the wind industry?
We’ve found that our core services translate well into the renewables sector. We provide fire suppression systems, detection systems and general fire safety equipment. Our role primarily involves servicing and maintaining, ensuring that fire safety systems remain operational long after installation.
Unlike oil and gas, where fire risks often involve flammable fuels or toxic gas, wind energy presents different challenges, such as electrical fires due to high-voltage components. Our job is to ensure that these fire risks are properly mitigated and that safety systems are always in compliance with evolving regulations.
Why do renewable energy sources like wind present unique fire risks?
The most significant difference is that wind farms, especially offshore ones, are often unmanned. If a fire breaks out on an oil platform, people are there to respond immediately. But when no one is on site, the fire protection system has to detect and handle the issue automatically.
Another factor is high-voltage electrical systems. While we don’t directly deal with electrical engineering, we handle the fire risks associated with it. Electrical faults, overheating, or even lightning strikes can lead to fires, so suppression and early detection are critical.
Were any regulations in place from the beginning to ensure fire protection in wind farms?
In the early days, there weren’t many specific fire safety regulations for wind energy. Many of the safety standards were adapted from other industries, like oil and gas or industrial electrical systems.
Keith Robertson
Over time, wind farms have grown in size and complexity and regulations have evolved. However, like with many emerging industries, fire safety standards are still playing catch-up.
Battery storage is another growing area in alternative energy. What are the fire risks there and how are they being addressed?
One of the biggest challenges with lithium-ion batteries is that once they catch fire, they’re extremely difficult to extinguish. Traditional fire suppression methods don’t always work; in some cases, the best option is simply containment and monitoring. The industry is still working on best practices for handling large-scale battery storage fires.
What are the biggest challenges in protecting wind turbines from fire?
Another challenge, in addition to their remote locations, is ensuring that manufacturers’ fire suppression systems are properly maintained. We don’t typically handle installations, but once the turbines are operational, we ensure they remain protected and compliant.
Regular maintenance is critical. If a suppression system isn’t properly serviced, it might not work when needed. Servicing these systems can be a logistical challenge, but it’s essential for long-term safety.
How does Flare help companies manage these risks?
Our role is to provide expertise in fire safety, keeping clients up to date with the latest detection, suppression and maintenance solutions.
We focus on prevention, ensuring that fire safety systems remain fully functional so that risks are managed before they become incidents.
Keith Robertson
How do you see fire protection for renewable energy evolving over the next decade?
It will likely become more standardised as regulations catch up. Right now, fire safety in renewables is still largely dictated by manufacturers and project developers rather than strict industry-wide regulations.
The technology used is at an exciting point right now. AI systems have the potential to revolutionise fire protection on unmanned platforms, making it easier to monitor key indicators and analyse the data to spot issues before they arise.
Another significant shift will be in firefighting mediums. Some traditional fire suppression agents are being phased out due to environmental concerns, so we’ll see new solutions emerging, particularly for electrical and battery-related fire risks.
Finally, what advice would you give to organisations investing in alternative energy regarding fire safety?
The main thing is to plan for fire safety from the start rather than treating it as an afterthought. In oil and gas, fire safety is heavily regulated and built into operations from day one, primarily due to the safety case approach. This system requires operators to systematically identify hazards, assess risks and implement controls before operations begin. It ensures that fire protection isn’t just a compliance exercise – it’s a fundamental part of how assets are designed, built and maintained.
In renewables, there’s sometimes a tendency to prioritise efficiency and output first, with fire safety considerations coming later. As the industry grows, adopting a more structured approach – perhaps similar to the safety case model – could help ensure fire risks are fully assessed and mitigated early, rather than addressed reactively.
Having a strong fire protection plan early on, covering detection, suppression and maintenance, will save time, money and potential damage in the long run. You can learn more about Flare and our services on our website (www.flarefse.com) or follow us on LinkedIn for all the latest updates.