The integration of renewable energy into the global energy mix is a vital step towards sustainability. However, the associated risks of BESS must be managed effectively to ensure safety and reliability. Colonnade's expertise in this field provides a crucial layer of protection, ensuring that BESS installations are safe and effective.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) have become essential, allowing us to store energy from renewable sources for use when production is low. Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro power vary with weather and natural cycles. To ensure a steady energy supply, robust storage solutions like BESS store excess energy when production is high and release it when demand is high or production is low, stabilizing the grid and maximizing renewable energy use.
Risks and challenges of BESS
"Despite the advantages, BESS, especially those with lithium-ion batteries, pose significant risks. These systems are susceptible to thermal runaway, electrical abuse, thermal abuse, and physical damage, which can lead to fires or explosions, posing serious safety threats. One major challenge in managing BESS is the potential for lithium-ion battery fires, which are difficult to extinguish and may spread rapidly if not properly contained. This is where Colonnade Insurance comes in, using its experience and knowledge to reduce these risks and make energy storage systems safer," said Sara Kuchta, Technical Risk Assessment Specialist of the Polish branch.
With its presence in six Eastern European countries, Colonnade addresses these challenges by sharing expertise across its branches to ensure the best practices in BESS safety are implemented and improved. Colonnade bases its safety protocols on well-established standards such as the FM Global Data Sheet 5-33 guidelines of 2024 (FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets for Lithium-Ion Battery Energy Storage Systems) and the NFPA 855 standards (Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems).
Key safety recommendations from Colonnade
- Location and distance: BESS containers should placed outside buildings, at least 15 meters away from any structures and in appropriate distance from each other and with a free access.
- Fixed extinguishing systems: Each container should be equipped with a fixed extinguishing system tailored to the specific type of battery used.
- Detection systems: Implementing comprehensive fire & gas detection and flooding prevention systems is critical.
- Maintenance: Regular maintenance of the entire technical infrastructure of the BESS is essential.