Jim Dickinson, Executive Vice President – Global Sales at Fireaway Inc., outlines how prevention, detection and suppression are applied in modern energy storage projects
Energy storage systems (ESS) are moving quickly from pilot projects to core infrastructure across utilities, transport and commercial sites.
That shift brings fire risks that behave differently from conventional electrical installations.
Thermal runaway can develop inside battery modules before visible smoke or flame, while enclosure design, ventilation limits and restricted access complicate intervention.
As grid-scale and behind-the-meter storage expands across the Middle East, these factors are shaping design decisions, insurer expectations and regulatory scrutiny.
Fireaway Inc. addresses these challenges through Stat-X® condensed aerosol fire suppression, supported by UltraSenseTM early detection technologies designed for enclosed and modular environments.
The approach focuses on identifying early fault indicators and deploying suppression in spaces where traditional gas or water-based systems can be difficult to engineer or maintain.
Ahead of Intersec Dubai 2026, Jim Dickinson, executive vice president – global sales at Fireaway Inc., outlines how prevention, detection and suppression are applied in modern energy storage projects.
IFSJ Editor Iain Hoey sat down with Jim Dickinson to discuss safer energy storage design, technology selection and regional deployment considerations.
Why is thermal runaway regarded as a distinct fire hazard in battery installations?
Thermal runaway presents a distinct hazard because once a battery cell enters that state, the reaction is self-sustaining and difficult to interrupt with suppression alone.
In practice, most fires in ESS units begin with electrical faults – short circuits, arc faults or other electrical failures – not the cells themselves.
Approximately 90 % of ESS fires are linked to electrical components rather than intrinsic battery cell combustion.
Our strategy focuses on preventing escalation.
By detecting the earliest signs of trouble, such as changes in gases or temperature before flames develop, we give operators and suppression systems the best chance to intervene before a full thermal runaway event occurs.
Suppression after runaway is extremely challenging, so early action is critical.
What preventive measures are most effective in stopping a fault from becoming a wider fire event?
Early detection is essential which is why we utilises UltraSense industrial sensors with Stat-X our suppression systems.
UltraSense detects subtle indicators such as off-gassing and thermal changes before visible smoke or fire fire appears.
This earlier signal gives system controllers time to initiate alarms, shutdowns or suppression before conditions escalate.
Early detection matters because it extends the window for intervention ahead of thermal runaway.
Battery modules can exhibit off-gassing and abnormal electrical behaviour well before ignition, so capturing those signs helps to reduce the likelihood that a minor fault becomes a large-scale fire.
How must detection strategies change for energy storage systems where early signs are gas release or electrical shifts rather than flames?
Detection must be geared toward subtle precursors, not just flames.
Traditional fire detection relies on smoke or heat.
In ESS environments, the sequence generally begins with internal faults that generate heat and off-gassed compounds before smoke or flame is present.
UltraSense delivers continuous monitoring of gas composition and temperature changes at the cell or module level, offering an early warning long before a flame exists.
This approach improves reaction time for suppression and operational shutdown, especially in compact battery arrays where changes can occur rapidly.
How does Stat-X condensed aerosol technology work and why is it suited to modular ESS layouts?
Condensed aerosol fire suppression is a potassium -based method in which ultra-fine agent particles and propellant gases are released to interrupt combustion reactions and suppress fire.
Stat-X generators contain a stable solid compound in hermetically sealed stainless-steel canisters.
When activated – either electrically through control panel signals or thermally when a set temperature is reached – they discharge an aerosol that suppresses fire across a protected space without the need for piped infrastructure.
Key advantages for ESS include:
- Low-pressure deployment: Unlike high-pressure gas systems, Stat-X works in spaces with un-closable openings and remains in the atmosphere longer to help prevent reflash.
- Compact, modular units: The generators mount on walls or ceilings and require no piping, reducing installation complexity – important in containerized or cabinet-style ESS installations.
- Extended agent presence: The aerosol can stay suspended for up to 20 minutes, offering ongoing suppression and reducing the risk of fire re-ignition.
- Environmentally acceptable: Stat-X agents are listed under U.S.
- EPA SNAP for normally occupied spaces with zero potential for ozone depletion or global warming impact.
Stat-X can be configured with electrical actuation tied to control panels and detectors, or with thermal initiators that trigger at defined temperatures.
Both approaches are widely used in ESS protection.
How is Stat-X typically integrated into modular ESS units and what constraints shape design choices?
Integration typically involves placing Stat-X aerosol generators inside or adjacent to ESS modules, connected to detection systems that can trigger discharge.
The compact size of Stat-X allows it to fit into confined cabinets, racks or containerized systems without requiring extensive piping or large gas cylinders.
In contrast, water-based systems like water mist require extensive piping, water supply planning and larger structural space.
That makes them less practical in tight ESS housings.
Using aerosol systems simplifies engineering requirements and reduces installation time, costs and potential points of failure.
Physical constraints such as space availability, access for maintenance and layout of battery racks often influence the choice of system configuration and placement.
Which standards and test methods are most relevant to ESS fire suppression and how is Fireaway engaging with them?
The cornerstone standard for energy storage system installations is NFPA 855, the US National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard for the installation of stationary ESS.
Fireaway designs systems to align with NFPA 855 guidance and local authority requirements.
In addition, NFPA 2010 covers fixed aerosol fire extinguishing systems, addressing their design and application.
Aerosol standards such as UL 9540A test thermal runaway propagation and are increasingly referenced in risk evaluation and system specification.
Third-party testing conducted under NFPA and UL 9540A protocols has shown that Stat-X aerosol can limit thermal runaway propagation and extinguish fires when properly designed and installed.
Local approvals also matter.
With Intersec Dubai 2026 approaching, what ESS themes will Fireaway emphasise and how do regional projects influence your focus?
At Intersec Dubai 2026, we’re emphasising prevention, early detection and suppression as a complete framework for ESS fire safety.
We highlight UltraSense for early hazard detection and Stat-X for suppression, supporting a layered approach to risk.
Interest in these technologies has risen steadily since we introduced UltraSense globally.
Combining real-time hazard detection with effective suppression makes sense for owners and designers facing diverse ESS configurations.
Regionally, the Middle East’s growth in utility-scale and distributed storage installations means solutions that are adaptable, easy to install and compatible with varied regulatory landscapes are in demand.
We work with global OEMs and distribution partners to provide support where ESS projects are being manufactured and deployed.
Our global network of more than 500 partners enables ongoing service wherever systems are installed.