Are you concerned about large-scale lithium-ion battery storage facilities being developed near your community?
Earlier this year, Fire and Rescue NSW updated their large-scale external lithium-ion battery energy storage systems (BESS) technical information sheet, with key updates including greater emphasis on large-scale fire testing evidence and expectations around fire hydrant provision.
One of the key questions regulators and emergency responders want answered is: What happens when a fire starts within a BESS enclosure and all active fire protection systems fail?
The underlying concern is understanding system behaviour in a worst-case scenario.
The most commonly referenced fire test methodology is UL 9540A. This standard is structured in escalating levels – cell, module, unit – and is used to assess thermal runaway and toxic gas release. However, it does not typically involve a full enclosure.
CSA TS-800 is a Canadian technical specification that provides a system-level safety framework uses UL 9540A test data. Neither UL 9540A nor CSA TS-800 are Australian Standards, and both rely on controlled test environments.
This raises an important challenge for industry: how well do controlled test results reflect real-world fire scenarios? Factors such as wind, site layout and emergency response times can significantly influence outcomes.
BESS fire safety is about providing an understanding lithium-ion technology and the risks involved to stakeholders by providing actionable insights to support the development of site-specific response strategies, procedures and policies. This collaborative, informed approach ensures that all parties share a consistent understanding of the risks and can implement proportionate and effective mitigation measures that reflect both the technical realities and the intent of fire safety principles.
CJK Fire & Safety have completed numerous fire safety risk assessments for new BESS facilities which are increasingly being developed across Australia. Ultimately, the objective is to protect people, property and the environment while ensuring regulatory frameworks evolve alongside rapidly advancing technologies.
If you are involved in BESS development, feel free to get in touch.