What are battery safety requirements?

These include performance and durability requirements for industrial batteries, electric vehicle (EV) batteries, and light means of transport (LMT) batteries; safety standards for stationary battery energy storage systems (SBESS); and information requirements on SOH and expected lifetime.

Are domestic battery energy storage systems safe?

Despite a limited number of known incidents with domestic battery energy storage systems (BESSs) in the public domain, questions have been raised regarding their safety due to the large energy content within these systems.

Are battery energy storage systems subject to environmental permitting?

DEFRA is planning to bring battery energy storage systems (BESS) into the environmental permitting regime. However, some operators may be unaware that they may be subject to it already, putting themselves in potential legal jeopardy.

Are lithium-ion batteries safe for electric energy storage systems?

IEC has recently published IEC 63056 (see Table A 13) to cover specific lithium-ion battery risks for electric energy storage systems. It includes safety requirements for lithium-ion batteries used in these systems under the assumption that the battery has been tested according to BS EN 62619.

What are the international standards for battery energy storage systems?

According to Appendix 1, there are international standards for domestic battery energy storage systems (BESSs). When a standard exists as a British standard (BS) based on a European (EN or HD) standard, the BS version is referenced. The standards are divided into the following categories: Safety standards for electrical installations.

Why are battery energy storage systems important?

Battery energy storage systems (BESSs) use batteries, for example lithium-ion batteries, to store electricity at times when supply is higher than demand. They can then later release electricity when it is needed. BESSs are therefore important for “the replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy”.