Huawei launches ESS safety initiative in China

by Featured NewsSafety

Industry collaboration drives ESS safety improvements

Huawei has reported that the Grid Forming & ESS Safety Forum was held in Shanghai on 12 June 2025 to address safety standards, technology trends and operational practices within the global energy storage sector.

According to Huawei, the event included contributions from insurance providers, partners, testing bodies, and customers across the photovoltaic and energy storage industries.

During the event, Huawei Digital Power announced the launch of the ESS Safety Initiative.

The initiative aims to develop internationally recognised safety levels and performance benchmarks for energy storage systems.

Huawei said the ESS Safety Initiative was launched in cooperation with customers, certification organisations, and insurers.

Safety design and grid-forming capability at the centre of Huawei’s approach

Huawei Digital Power President of Smart PV & ESS Product Line Steven Zhou said grid-forming ESS technology is becoming increasingly relevant as the global energy transition continues.

Zhou said: “A grid-forming ESS, with its excellent grid-supporting capability, has become a cutting-edge and popular technology.”

“Moreover, ESS safety is the top priority for the sustainable development of the industry.”

“Huawei Digital Power has just launched the brand-new FusionSolar 9.0 Smart PV+ESS solution, promoting grid-forming technology from ESS to PV+ESS and across all scenarios, thereby achieving comprehensive applications.”

Huawei explained that its Smart String Grid-Forming ESS technology was tested in Qinghai and Xizang and applied in GW-level deployments.

According to Huawei, four main technical challenges still affect commercial rollouts: device parallel stability, oscillation damping, overload resilience, and safety.

Huawei said its technology covers the entire power system lifecycle.

Test results shared from grid-forming project in Southeast Asia

Huawei said TÜV SÜD conducted field testing on a utility-scale project in Cambodia, using its PV+ESS system.

The company stated that tests were carried out in line with PPP 58232 standards.

According to Huawei, these tests demonstrated grid stability and helped lay the groundwork for future deployments across Southeast Asia.

Industry stakeholders including Wood Mackenzie’s APAC Research Director Robert Liew and VDE’s Patrick Zank addressed market readiness and standardisation efforts.

Representatives from SchneiTec and TÜV SÜD also shared insights on how ESS infrastructure is evolving in Southeast Asian power systems.

Huawei outlines safety features across entire ESS lifecycle

Huawei Digital Power President of Grid-Forming ESS Business Steve Zheng said ESS units face risks due to electrochemical inconsistency, grid fluctuation, and digital monitoring gaps.

To address this, Huawei has introduced a layered safety system combining battery design, architecture control, and monitoring.

Zheng said: “ESSs have three typical characteristics: high density, high voltage, and high current.”

“During the lifecycle, the electrochemical inconsistency, grid uncertainty, and insufficient digital management capabilities of ESSs may cause great safety risks.”

Huawei explained that its system includes the Panshi battery pack, which uses triple-layer insulation to reduce arc, thermal and fire risk.

The system’s two-stage string architecture aims to prevent backfeed and support power ride-through.

Huawei said its digital platform enables pre-emptive alerts up to one week in advance and supports over 30 fault classifications.

Empirical safety tests conducted with DNV

Huawei reported that testing carried out at the Huawei Dongguan Grid-Forming ESS Comprehensive Lab involved simulations of fire, water and thermal conditions.

The tests were conducted with DNV and focused on four ESS safety criteria: non-flammable, non-explosive, non-spreading, and non-harmful.

Huawei said its technology also meets additional grid, load, and environmental compatibility benchmarks.

The company stated that these tests support the goals of the ESS Safety Initiative by providing measurable safety standards across all system components.

According to Huawei, ongoing engagement with industry partners is intended to develop global ESS fire suppression guidelines and establish lifecycle-wide risk management procedures.

Huawei confirmed its intention to continue supporting grid integration and renewable energy adoption through the PV+ESS solution.

Huawei launches ESS safety initiative in China: Summary

Huawei has reported that the Grid Forming & ESS Safety Forum took place in Shanghai on 12 June 2025.

The forum brought together customers, partners, insurers, and testing organisations.

Huawei launched the ESS Safety Initiative during the event.

The company said this initiative focuses on safety visibility and management across the full ESS lifecycle.

Huawei outlined four ESS safety standards: non-flammable, non-explosive, non-spreading, and non-harmful.

Huawei confirmed that empirical testing was carried out with DNV and TÜV SÜD.

Huawei presented its Smart String Grid-Forming ESS and FusionSolar 9.0 PV+ESS solution.

According to Huawei, grid-forming ESS is key to future grid stability.

The company said its technology was tested in projects in Qinghai, Xizang, and Cambodia.

Huawei identified four commercialisation challenges for ESS: device stability, oscillation damping, overload support, and system safety.

Huawei highlighted its layered battery, architecture, and monitoring system.

The firm confirmed that its solution meets grid, load, and environmental compatibility standards.

Kentec targets BESS fire risks in China with regional expansion

by Featured NewsPeopleSafety

Kentec appoints Frank Tan as Asia Pacific Business Development Manager

Kentec has announced a new strategic hire as it expands its fire detection and suppression offering for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in China.

According to Kentec, Frank Tan has been appointed as Business Development Manager for the Asia Pacific region, with a specific focus on growing the company’s presence in the Chinese BESS sector.

Kentec stated that Tan brings over 30 years of experience in fire safety and detection, having previously held roles at Johnson Controls, VESDA, Airsense and SDHY.

Frank Tan to lead regional growth across BESS and detection markets

The company said Tan will lead efforts to strengthen Kentec’s presence across Asia Pacific.

He is a graduate of the University of Science and Technology in Beijing and holds an MBA from Donghua University in Shanghai.

Kentec added that Tan is a Registered Electrical Engineer and Registered Fire Engineer, and a member of the Technical Committee for technical specification for aspirating smoke detection (ASD) fire alarm systems of electrical factories.

Derrick Hall, Director of Sales and Marketing at Kentec, said: “Frank brings invaluable knowledge and experience of the market in China and the wider region, and will help drive Kentec’s growth in the fast-moving battery energy storage sector, where fire presents a considerable risk for BESS operators.”

Kentec develops dedicated fire safety solutions for BESS installations

Kentec reported that its expansion follows increased demand for fire protection solutions in battery storage sites across China, which it described as remote and often unmanned, creating additional challenges for detection and suppression.

The company stated that it has developed a tailored solution to address fire hazards in BESS applications.

According to Kentec, this system includes an early warning function to detect threats in advance and help mitigate the risk of major incidents.

New flammable gas sensor aims to support early hazard identification

Kentec confirmed that it is preparing to launch a flammable gas sensor designed for BESS environments.

It explained that the sensor identifies gases associated with fire risk and functions without requiring calibration throughout its lifespan, helping reduce servicing costs.

The company noted that the sensor integrates with Kentec’s ZXT and other extinguishing and releasing panels to provide alerts when potentially explosive gases are detected.

According to Kentec, this allows operators to act in advance using venting or other control measures before suppression systems are triggered.

Kentec targets BESS fire risks in China with regional expansion: Summary

Kentec has appointed Frank Tan as Business Development Manager for Asia Pacific.

The appointment is part of Kentec’s expansion into the Chinese BESS market.

Tan has over 30 years of experience in fire safety and detection.

He has previously worked at Johnson Controls, VESDA, Airsense and SDHY.

He holds qualifications as a Registered Electrical Engineer and Registered Fire Engineer.

Kentec reported that fire risks in battery storage systems are increasing in China.

The company said many sites are remote and unmanned, raising challenges for fire detection.

Kentec stated that it has developed a solution specific to BESS environments.

It is preparing to launch a flammable gas sensor for early hazard detection.

The sensor integrates with Kentec’s extinguishing and releasing systems.

Kentec confirmed that the sensor does not require calibration over its life span.

The company said the sensor provides early alerts before fire or explosion occurs.

Energy storage systems: The implications for fire hazards discussed in an upcoming webinar

by AmericasFeatured NewsSafety

Understanding energy storage system fire risks

A forthcoming webinar will delve into the fire hazard considerations of Energy Storage Systems (ESS).

The webinar, scheduled for September 14, 2023, between 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm Eastern, will be presented by fire protection industry expert Russell Leavitt from Telgian.

The evolving world of energy storage

With the evolution of power systems, there’s a growing capacity for continuous operation of equipment and its transferability from one location to another.

The drive for sustainability has intensified the demand to store energy for future use. Energy Storage Systems (ESS) fulfil the requirement of having a dependable power source for later use.

However, they introduce significant challenges and dangers to facility owners, fire protection professionals, and firefighters.

Ensuring safety in a powered-up world

This webinar aims to give participants a refreshed understanding of the different types of Energy Storage Systems, their construction techniques, and their associated fire hazards.

“Current code requirements for ESS fire protection will be reviewed,” and there will be insights into best practices to ensure safety for both facilities and their occupants.

By the webinar’s end, attendees should be able to:

  • Recognise and detail the diverse Energy Storage Systems (ESS) currently in use.
  • Understand the fire risks linked with battery storage systems.
  • Highlight the specific fire dangers posed by Lithium-Ion batteries.
  • Recognise and implement the latest code guidelines for Energy Storage System (ESS) fire protection.

For further information or to sign up for the “Energy Storage Systems – Fire Hazard Considerations Webinar”, potential participants are directed to visit Fire Smarts.

IFSJ Comment

The realm of Energy Storage Systems (ESS) has seen substantial advancements, making it a crucial area for understanding associated fire hazards.

These systems are undeniably revolutionising the way we utilise and store energy.

However, the safety risks that accompany them are significant, especially considering the growth of Lithium-Ion batteries in various applications.

This webinar by Telgian promises to be an insightful resource for those involved in fire protection, offering guidance on how to navigate these new challenges effectively and ensure that innovation doesn’t come at the expense of safety.