Battery storage standard UL 9540A updated with large-scale fire testing

by Breaking NewsSafety

Battery storage standard adds large-scale fire testing

UL Standards & Solutions has published the sixth edition of UL 9540A, adding large-scale fire testing requirements to the standard for evaluating thermal runaway fire propagation in battery energy storage systems.

The new edition was published on 13 March and is described it as a key standard for battery energy storage systems (BESS), including lithium-ion systems.

The standard is titled UL 9540A, Standard for Test Method for Evaluating Thermal Runaway Fire Propagation in Battery Energy Storage Systems, and is identified by UL as the American and Canadian national standard for assessing fire propagation related to thermal runaway events in energy storage systems (ESS).

UL said testing to the standard is an essential element of due diligence when the design or installation conditions of an ESS exceed the limits set by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 855, NFPA 1, the International Fire Code (IFC) or the International Residential Code (IRC).

UL 9540A is the only consensus standard explicitly cited in NFPA 855 for large-scale fire testing and the only national standard in the US and Canada for fire safety testing methods for battery ESS.

UL also said it offers testing aligned with both the fifth and sixth editions of UL 9540A.

Battery storage testing and CSA Group response

CSA Group published comment from Dana Parmenter, Commercial Vice President, Industrial at CSA Group, on what the sixth edition may mean for manufacturers and authorities having jurisdiction.

Parmenter said: “The release of the 6th Edition of UL 9540A in March 2026 establishes a new precedent in the energy storage system (ESS) testing and certification ecosystem.

“This change will raise many questions for manufacturers around enforcement timelines, jurisdictional adoption, and how updated requirements may be interpreted by AHJs.

“This edition expands testing expectations and introduces large scale fire (LSFT) testing requirements within the certification process.

“Section 10 requires LSFT to demonstrate that fire will not propagate between ESS units.

“This change is part of a larger trend across ESS standards, placing greater emphasis on LSFT as it relates to system level safety.”

CSA Group said NFPA 855 Section 9.2.1.2.1 requires large-scale fire testing to characterise gas composition and demonstrate non-propagation between ESS units, which involves gas analysis and calorimetric data such as heat release rate (HRR).

It added that previous editions of UL 9540A did not explicitly incorporate large-scale fire testing, and said the sixth edition now addresses spacing and fire propagation as safety considerations within the certification framework.

CSA Group said CSA/ANSI C800:25 continues to address performance-based characterisation, including heat release rate, target unit measurements such as heat flux, operation of detection systems, battery management system data, and a framework for acquiring data for fire protection engineer analysis.

Complementary roles in ESS approvals

CSA Group said NFPA 855 Section 9.2.2.2 requires interpretation of test results by a registered fire protection engineer, and added that many engineers recommend HRR and other measurements in CSA/ANSI C800:25 to support their analysis.

It said CSA/ANSI C800:25 can be used alongside UL 9540A to provide additional performance and engineering-based data for site-specific installation requirements, engineering approvals and AHJ review.

Parmenter added: “UL 9540A and CSA/ANSI C800:25 now serve more distinct, yet complementary, roles within the ESS testing and approvals process.

“Looking ahead, both standards may be applied to support demonstration of alignment with NFPA 855.

“UL’s recent revisions to UL 9540A expand the scope of safety focused requirements by incorporating certain performance-based considerations, such as those informing spacing and propagation mitigation, into the certification framework.

“CSA/ANSI C800:25 continues to provide additional performance and engineering-based characterization, including data elements that remain optional or out of scope under UL 9540A.”

S Jones Conversions launches new tiered battery storage solution range

by Featured NewsPorts & MaritimeProductsTransport

Battery storage range expands with Green Battery Store

S Jones Conversions has developed an entry-level battery storage solution called the Green Battery Store as part of its battery storage range.

The company said the unit is intended for lower-risk applications to house batteries categorised as ‘green’ or low risk by the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) assessment.

It is described as providing environmental protection and basic electrical safety for storing smaller quantities of batteries in lower-risk scenarios.

The Green Battery Store is available in sizes from 8’6″ to 40ft.

The unit’s listed features include aluminium louvre vents, fire-resistant board linings, an HVAC system and an anti-vandal multi-locking personnel door.

It is described as suited to use where risk assessments identify minimal fire and explosion hazard or where facilities have existing safety infrastructure.

How the tiered range is described

The Green Battery Store is described as the latest addition to a tiered range with units categorised by the level of safety features required.

Alongside Green, the tiers are described as Bronze for moderate-risk applications, Silver for higher-risk applications and Gold for the most demanding scenarios including destructive battery testing.

The company said selecting the most appropriate solution depends on the DSEAR assessment and considerations including property insurer requirements, local fire authority guidance, battery chemistry and volume, proximity to other infrastructure and risk tolerance of third parties.

Andrew Nicholls, Head of Conversions at S Jones Containers commented: “Over the last few years we’ve established our reputation as a ‘go to’ partner for containerised battery storage and testing units.

“Our new tiered approach to the range is an important development – making it even easier for our customers to choose the solution that best meets their specific project needs including budget requirements.

“The new Green Battery Store provides an affordable solution that still puts safety first for peace of mind.”

Features described for Bronze, Silver and Gold tiers

S Jones Containers’ Bronze Battery Store is described as combining fire-retardant passive protection with active environmental controls as well as explosion venting and thermal management.

It is described as intended to contain and mitigate hazards during normal operation and minor thermal events.

Silver is described as building on Bronze with 60-minute fire-rated compartmentalisation, automated fire detection and integrated sprinkler capability.

Gold is described as featuring independent gas detection, temperature monitoring and automated mechanical ventilation response as well as fire and explosion risk reduction features.

It is also described as including hermetically sealed access doors and gas detection systems.

The Gold tier is described as designed for high-risk applications including ultra-high-density storage and lithium-ion battery cell destructive testing, with a design intended to reduce exposure to toxic gases that may be released during the testing process.

Battery fires in Australia raise safety concerns for big storage projects

by Featured NewsSafety

Fire risk sparks concern as battery project advances in Victoria

Community fire concerns have increased around large-scale battery projects in Australia, according to Renew Economy.

The outlet reported that the Country Fire Authority (CFA) in Victoria has been working with stakeholders such as EnergyAustralia and technology provider Wärtsilä to address risks linked to battery energy storage systems (BESS), especially thermal runaway fires.

While major battery fires remain rare in large systems, CFA representatives attended the sod-turning ceremony of the Wooreen big battery in February, where safety concerns were highlighted by both emergency services and the public.

Opposition has also been voiced in the town of Dederang, where CFA volunteers told ABC’s 7.30 that they lacked the training and equipment to deal with battery fires, which differ in nature and toxicity from grass or scrub fires.

Community concerns have escalated following global incidents, including a major fire at California’s Moss Landing Power Station, which burned through older NMC lithium-ion batteries.

CFA and industry responses to battery fire risks

The CFA said in a December statement that its Specialist Risk and Fire Safety Unit works with developers to ensure fire safety is factored into renewable energy sites.

The authority added that its crews are trained for multiple hazard types, including thermal events involving batteries.

Mishaal SyedNaveed, senior fire protection engineer at Wärtsilä, told Renew Economy that community confidence hinges on trust and open dialogue.

SyedNaveed said: “The first thing is, we’re in this battery project together.

“We’re not here to just dump our technology and leave. We have a long-term service agreements with many of our projects. So we’re in this project together, alongside the operator.”

SyedNaveed explained that firefighting strategies for BESS events differ from conventional approaches and emphasised the importance of defensive, not direct, suppression.

He said: “We have advised a ‘let it burn’ approach, let that fuel consume itself out. And as long as you keep that thermal event contained … into that one spot and don’t let it spread, then that’s not such a concern for the surrounding environment and it’s a manageable event.”

Explaining toxicity concerns and safety testing

Addressing concerns raised by residents about toxic smoke, SyedNaveed said the emissions from BESS fires were chemically similar to household fires.

He stated: “The honest answer is the gas composition in a battery fire is quite similar to that of a house fire.”

He acknowledged the presence of CO2, CO, and hydrogen fluoride in the smoke but noted that household items made of plastics often release similar compounds during fires.

SyedNaveed pointed to regulatory investigations such as the 2023 New York State Safety Working Group findings, which found no evidence of wide-scale spread of toxic materials from BESS fires.

He also explained that BESS designs have evolved, particularly in their use of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells, which are more stable than older chemistries such as nickel-manganese-cobalt.

“LFP provides more stability and is less prone to thermal runaway compared to NMC. This was a big lesson learned from the Moss Landing incident,” he said.

Standards, fire modelling and design resilience

SyedNaveed told Renew Economy that fire risk mitigation depends on factors ranging from cell selection to site design.

He noted the role of fire modelling and robust testing protocols, including large-scale simulations where enclosures are deliberately ignited.

“We have done our fire testing from a cell, to a module, to the unit, and even a large-scale test level,” he said.

These tests demonstrated that in simulations, fires could be contained to a single enclosure without triggering thermal events in neighbouring units.

SyedNaveed added that Wärtsilä’s testing goes beyond compliance benchmarks, aiming to model worst-case scenarios to ensure system integrity.

He also noted that in large-scale burn tests, battery systems in adjacent containers continued to operate without interruption.

Multi-layered prevention and community engagement

According to SyedNaveed, prevention is embedded in detection systems that monitor voltage, heat and pressure at the cell level.

He said: “Everything, starting from the actual battery cell – whether there’s a voltage spike, a temperature increase, or there’s some abnormality – can be detected within what we call the battery management system (BMS).”

The BMS communicates with broader energy management systems to provide early alerts of anomalies.

Additional hardware, such as gas and smoke detection, is deployed within the battery enclosures to provide layered monitoring.

Mint Renewables, the developer behind the 200 MW/400 MWh Dederang battery project, told Renew Economy it was aware of public concerns.

Kim van Hattum, Mint Renewables’ interim head of Australia, said: “We remain committed to community engagement and will continue to work hard to reassure the community and the authorities that our project can co-exist safely and provide benefits to the local area and Australia more widely.”

Battery fires in Australia raise safety concerns for big storage projects: Summary

Renew Economy reported on growing concerns in Victoria about battery fires in large energy storage systems.

The CFA is involved in planning for BESS projects, including Wooreen, due to fire safety risks.

Dederang residents and CFA volunteers raised concerns about battery fire toxicity and emergency preparedness on ABC’s 7.30.

Wärtsilä engineer Mishaal SyedNaveed stated that community trust requires open dialogue and clear fire response strategies.

He said defensive fire tactics, not direct suppression, are recommended for lithium-ion battery fires.

He noted that BESS fire emissions are chemically similar to household fires.

SyedNaveed also cited regulatory findings indicating no widespread toxic spread from recent BESS fires.

He explained that newer batteries use more stable chemistries like LFP.

He said robust safety testing simulates worst-case fire scenarios.

Wärtsilä has conducted burn tests showing fires can be contained without spreading.

Detection systems monitor temperature, voltage and gas emissions in real time.

Mint Renewables said it will continue engaging with the community to build confidence in its project.

Wired for risk built for safety, with Flare

by Breaking NewsSafety

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. 

This article was originally published in the May 2025 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here. 


Battery energy storage system hazards

by Breaking NewsSafety

Mukesh Chatter is CEO and Co-Founder of Alsym Energy, explains why collaborative strategies and alternative battery solutions are vital for improving safety

Recent fire incidents have spurred debates on the viability of deploying lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery systems in cities and suburbs.

From New York to California, battery failures and fire events have underscored the need for comprehensive strategies to ensure first responder and public safety regarding battery energy storage systems (BESSs) that store and distribute power to the electric grid.

Despite contributing to cleaner energy transitions, battery systems using Li-ion technology are uniquely susceptible to extreme weather.

Lightning strikes, heavy rain, wildfires and other events associated with a changing climate can all cause systems equipped with Li-ion batteries to malfunction, potentially leading to toxic gas emissions and even fires.

As more localities begin to consider new grid storage installations, it’s increasingly important for officials to understand the potential risks that Li-ion systems pose and educate themselves on alternative technologies that have emerged in the past few years.

This can include enacting more stringent permitting and safety measures, increasing first responder training, and consulting with outside experts.

Recent fires in New York State

The summer of 2023 has been a wake-up call to the hazards presented by lithium-ion battery storage systems—even those built and installed by reputable companies.

In recent months, New York experienced a series of BESS incidents that have raised concerns about their safety:

  1. Town of East Hampton – May 31: A 5 MW facility caught fire, resulting in road closures and disruptions to local transportation services.
  2. Town of Warwick – June 26: Two facilities (one on a school campus) caught fire, leading to an evacuation order within a ¼ mile radius of the school.
    These incidents coincided with a large storm, which experts believe contributed to the system’s failure.
    Both systems had gone online only a month prior.
  3. Town of Lyme – July 27: A fire broke out at the 20 MW Lyme BESS facility, which had only gone online in March 2022.
    The fire was a significant concern for residents due to potential air quality and water contamination issues.

These events have ignited an urgency to act, prompting discussions of “what-ifs” and the immediate need for improved safety protocols, highlighting the vulnerability of energy storage systems to external factors and weather.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has convened an Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group in response to these incidents in her state to evaluate and address storage system safety concerns.

The collaboration between state agencies, first responders, and local leaders underlines the commitment to devising strategies that enhance the safety of energy storage systems.

Considering recent developments, the Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group should consider allocating time to investigate safer battery alternatives — excluding lithium-ion — that are more suitable for urbanised areas to ensure public safety is not compromised.

As the Working Group takes shape, its efforts promise to deliver improved safety guidelines and strategies, bolstering resilience against increasing BESS threats in a changing climate.

Enhancing battery energy storage safety through expert guidelines

The American Clean Power Association (ACP) has also taken steps toward improving energy storage safety by publishing a new guide that can help first responders navigate the complexities of battery storage safety incidents, especially considering that many are not properly trained or equipped to handle these incidents when they occur.

Focusing on BESS-scale fire incidents, the ACP guide emphasises equipping first responders with knowledge and tools to manage potential endangerments effectively.

It underscores pre-incident planning, informed by UL 9540A testing, and highlights hazard mitigation analysis (HMA) and robust emergency response plans (ERP) for swift action.

A crucial point that the guide stresses is the importance of granting first responders adequate access to battery management system (BMS) data, which enables them to make informed decisions during critical moments and provides them with proper training to decrease risk and protect populations.

The ACP guide enhances safety measures in the dynamic energy storage landscape through these principles–a significant stride toward fortified community protection.

A call to collaborative action

The call for heightened awareness and proactive planning is gaining momentum, not only because of public safety concerns but because battery storage systems have an incredibly important job for an electric grid that’s transitioning.

Recognising that this conversation extends far beyond a single entity or technology is crucial.

Governor Hochul’s action to convene the New York Inter-Agency Fire Safety Working Group is a critical step forward in bringing together stakeholders to address the comprehensive safety enhancement needed in the face of evolving challenges.

Subject matter experts can collaborate to better understand how to prevent, triage, and quickly remediate BESS incidents, helping minimise interruptions to the energy system.

Knowledge-sharing, the exchange of best practices, and close collaboration between federal, state, and municipal authorities will be the cornerstones of effective risk mitigation in this context.

Leaders must translate the urgent concerns raised by incidents like the recent NY fires into actionable measures that prioritise the welfare of the public and responders alike but also make space for the important role that BESS deployments play.

As communities such as South Hampton, NY enact moratoria on new BESS projects, the imperative for safer, alternative battery chemistries becomes even more pronounced.

Leaders can adopt a proactive approach by exploring and integrating safer battery technologies that can pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

The safety of urbanised areas and the stability of our power grids hinge upon a commitment to learning, adapting, and implementing enhanced preventative measures.

Industry leaders can protect our communities and build a resilient energy future by drawing from recent incidents, expert guidance, and collaborative efforts to find safer battery solutions that contribute to the steadiness of power during challenging times.

About the author

Mukesh Chatter is CEO and Co-Founder of Alsym Energy, a technology company developing a low-cost, high-performance rechargeable battery chemistry that is free of lithium and cobalt.

This article was originally published in the December2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.