Proactively Enhancing Safety in Long Duration Energy Storage: Lessons, Challenges, and Future Strategies
By Dan Ricci
As Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) technologies gain prominence in modern energy infrastructure, ensuring the safety of workers and surrounding communities is critical. By examining past incidents involving lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and other storage solutions, we can extract crucial lessons to mitigate risks in LDES deployment.
Introduction
This analysis identifies recurring safety challenges, workforce training deficiencies, and emergency response weaknesses associated with energy storage technologies. Key incidents, such as the Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility Fire and the Surprise, Arizona, Explosion, highlight vulnerabilities in LDES safety protocols. These findings are essential for the manufacturers of LDES technologies to consider when creating comprehensive training modules, standardized safety measures, and community engagement strategies.
Aligning industry practices with regulatory standards from organizations like UL, NFPA, and OSHA is paramount. This document serves as a guide to enhancing LDES operational safety, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and building public trust in emerging storage technologies.
Recurring Safety Challenges in LDES Technologies
From incidents like the Moss Landing Fire to the Chaumont Fire, several critical themes emerge:
Thermal Runaway
Incident:
Surprise, Arizona BESS Explosion (2019) – A lithium-ion BESS explosion injured four first responders due to cascading thermal runaway. Responders were unaware of the risks associated with entering the facility during the event. [1]
Lessons Learned:
Enhanced training for first responders on thermal runaway risks and the use of remote monitoring tools could have prevented injuries.
Identified Gap:
Inadequate training and awareness about cascading thermal runaway, leading to unprepared emergency responses. [1]
Recommendations:
Implement scenario-based training focused on thermal runaway detection, response, and containment techniques.
Increase usage of remote monitoring tools for early risk identification.
Fire Suppression Challenges
Incident:
Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility Fire (California, 2025) – A fire in the 300 MW Moss Landing BESS facility resulted in road closures and the evacuation of 1,500 residents due to hazardous material concerns. The fire lasted several days, revealing gaps in suppression systems and emergency response strategies. [2]
Lessons Learned:
Improved fire detection and suppression mechanisms could have minimized the impact.
Identified Gap:
Inadequate fire detection, suppression systems, and containment strategies. [2]
Recommendation:
Incorporate advanced suppression technologies, such as inert gas or water mist systems.
Enhance first responder training on fire suppression system operation.
Component Quality and System Maintenance
Incident:
South Korea BESS Fires (2018–2020) – Over 20 BESS fires in South Korea highlighted systemic issues in system design, installation, and maintenance. Many incidents were linked to poor-quality components and insufficient safety protocols. [3]
Lessons Learned:
Workforce training on proper installation and maintenance could have reduced these incidents.
Identified Gap:
Poor-quality components and inadequate maintenance. [3]
Recommendation:
Implement stricter adherence to safety and manufacturing standards, such as UL certifications.
Train workers and supervisors on best practices for system installation and maintenance.
Prolonged Fire Management
Incident:
Chandler, Arizona BESS Fire (2022) – A fire in a containerized BESS unit burned for over ten days. Responders employed an automatic sprinkler system and robotics to manage the situation safely, but the prolonged fire duration highlighted the challenges of extinguishing BESS fires. [4]
Lessons Learned:
Advanced fire suppression techniques and robotics in hazardous environments can improve response times.
Identified Gap:
Limited effectiveness of traditional fire suppression methods. [4]
Recommendation:
Educate fire departments on innovative suppression methods, such as robotics and advanced containment strategies.
Emergency Response Protocols
Incident:
Chaumont, New York BESS Fire (2023) – A BESS fire near Lake Ontario took four days to extinguish. Firefighters maintained a safe distance, but the event underscored the need for improved containment strategies. [5]
Lessons Learned:
Better containment designs and first responder training could have mitigated the impact.
Identified Gap:
Lack of standardized emergency response protocols. [5]
Recommendation:
Establish unified emergency response guides aligned with NFPA standards, ensuring coordination between facilities and first responders.
Toxic Hazards
Identified Gap:
Toxic gas emissions (e.g., hydrogen fluoride from lithium-ion batteries) continue to pose health risks due to limited awareness and PPE usage.
Recommendation:
Strengthen workforce and first responder training on hazard recognition and proper PPE use.
Integrated Recommendations for LDES Training
To address these safety concerns, the following strategies are essential:
1. Scenario-Based Training Modules
Utilize real-world case studies like the Moss Landing Fire to develop immersive training exercises.
2. Standardized Safety Protocols
Align workforce training with NFPA, OSHA, and UL standards, integrating NFPA 855 guidelines for energy storage safety.
3. Enhanced Cross-Sector Collaboration
Strengthen partnerships between technology providers, regulatory bodies, and emergency response agencies.
4. Advanced Fire Management Tools
Promote the use of robotics and drones to improve fire assessment and containment in challenging environments.
5. Community Engagement and Awareness
Launch public education initiatives on LDES safety, including potential risks and precautionary measures.
Next Steps for LDES Safety Improvements
As the LDES industry continues to evolve, it is imperative to implement forward-looking safety measures that address historical challenges while anticipating future risks. Strengthening safety protocols, enhancing workforce training, and fostering collaboration between regulatory agencies, industry stakeholders, and first responders will be essential for the safe and reliable deployment of LDES technologies. By proactively addressing these concerns, industry can create a resilient energy storage ecosystem that supports a sustainable transition to cleaner energy solutions.
Expand Incident Analysis: Continue cataloging real-world incidents and root cause analyses to enhance risk mitigation strategies.
Develop Industry-Wide Safety Standards: Partner with UL, NFPA, and OSHA to extend NFPA 855 guidelines to LDES technologies.
Design Advanced Training Programs: Implement scenario-based training curriculums to address prolonged fire management and toxic hazard mitigation.
Enhance Emergency Preparedness: Establish coordinated response plans and conduct local emergency response workshops.
Foster Public Trust: Engage communities with transparent safety protocols and risk assessments.
Encourage Cross-Sector Collaboration: Facilitate industry-government partnerships to pioneer new safety innovations and regulatory oversight mechanisms.
With these targeted improvements, the LDES industry can significantly enhance energy storage technologies' resilience, reliability, and safety. Proactively addressing these challenges will mitigate risks and strengthen public confidence in LDES, ensuring a more sustainable and secure energy future.
