The safety profile of battery energy storage systems (BESS), which are used to keep the U.S. power grid stable and prevent costly spikes in real-time electricity prices, has improved by more than 95% in just a few years, according to a new report from The Western Way.
Since 2018, a combination of technological innovation and enhanced safety protocols has dramatically reduced the fire-related risk associated with these critical grid-stabilizing technologies. The new report, “Safety Improvements in Long-Duration Energy Storage: A Summary for Decisionmakers,” provides an overview of the safety regulations and industry practices driving this success story.
“Energy storage facilities are literally keeping the lights on and protecting consumers from costly disruptions to the power grid,” said Greg Brophy, of The Western Way. “And while these facilities are doing this vital work, the data shows they are safe and getting safer every day. Just like all energy infrastructure – including gas stations and electrical substations – grid-scale batteries operate under an overlapping set of regulations and industry practices designed to manage and reduce safety risks, including fires.”
America’s power grid, a complex network of thousands of power plants and millions of miles of transmission lines, faces the constant challenge of balancing electricity supply and demand. This challenge is exacerbated during severe weather events and can lead to volatile electricity prices. Long-duration energy storage offers a vital solution by storing excess energy for later use, enhancing grid reliability and mitigating price spikes.
BESS, the fastest-growing category of energy storage in the U.S., utilizes advanced versions of batteries found in everyday devices. The report highlights a remarkable 97% reduction in failure rates (per installed MWh) between 2018 and 2023, as documented by data collected by the Electric Power Research Institute, the world’s preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization.
Key safety improvements include:
● Fire retardant materials: Minimizing the risk of fire propagation.
● Enhanced cooling systems: Maintaining optimal operating temperatures.
● Thermal barriers: Isolating individual battery cells to prevent cascading failures.
● Improved storage container design: Enhancing structural integrity and safety.
● Advanced sensors and early detection systems: Enabling rapid response to abnormalities.
● Updated fire protection systems: Ensuring effective fire suppression.
This dramatic improvement is attributed to a wave of safety enhancements implemented by battery manufacturers, power companies, regulators, and public safety officials – and continued improvements are expected to reduce this failure rate even further.
When viewed in this light, the continued expansion of energy storage systems under close regulatory scrutiny can be viewed as a net positive for the stability and affordability of the U.S. power grid and the consumers it serves.
Report Link: Safety Improvements in Long-Duration Energy Storage: A Summary for Decisionmakers