Battery Energy Storage Systems

Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service (NFRS) encourages early engagement with developers with the aim of improving fire safety of the site, firefighters and the community.

NFRS recognises the use of batteries (including lithium-ion batteries) and grid scale Battery Energy Storage Systems are a fundamental part of the UK’s move toward a sustainable energy system. The Service is looking to work with developers of such systems to better understand any risks that may be posed and develop strategies and procedures to mitigate these risks.

The installation of BESS across the UK and around the world is increasing at an exponential rate.

In the UK, fire and rescue services are currently not statutory consultees in BESS developments. The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) advise that as best practise, safety measures and risk mitigation should be developed in collaboration with the local Fire and Rescue Service.

Here at NFRS we understand that BESS is a fairly new technology and as such risks may or may not be captured in current guidance in pursuance of the Building Regulations (as amended) and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This will highlight challenges the FRS have when responding to Building Regulations consultations.

Further information can be gathered from the NFCC guidance document NFCC BESS Planning Guidance Document (pdf, 10 pages)

The UK Government has also now published health and safety guidance for grid scale electrical energy storage systems.

The guidance aims to improve the navigability of existing standards and provide a clearer understanding of relevant health and safety standards that the grid scale electrical energy storage systems (EESS) industry, which includes lithium-ion batteries, can apply to its own process(es).

Installing a grid-scale BESS requires planning consent. Planning is a devolved matter, and decision-making rules differ across the UK. In England and Wales, decisions on BESSs (regardless of their capacity) are made by local planning authorities. Depending on its capacity, a BESS may also require a generating licence to operate. Generating licences are issued by Ofgem in Great Britain.

To inform us of any potential development or to discuss it further please contact our Business Safety Team FireProtection@notts-fire.gov.uk