Author: Carl Gurney
With an emphasis on modernisation and clarity, the updated version represents a significant advancement for all stakeholders. Below is an overview of the key updates and improvements.
Expanded structure and scope
The guidance has undergone a major transformation, growing from 9 primary sections to an impressive 20 dedicated sections. These now cover a wide range of topics, from overarching principles and scope to recovery strategies and incident event databases. This expansion ensures a more comprehensive and detailed approach to energy storage system planning and safety.
New organisational and planning sections
To streamline processes, new sections have been introduced to address organisational requirements for Fire and Rescue Services (FRS). These include the nomination of a lead department and a clear outline of the planning approval process. While FRS is not a statutory consultee, early engagement is strongly encouraged to ensure smooth operations.
Enhanced risk management documentation
The guidance now places greater emphasis on risk management. It moves beyond the requirement for a "robust emergency response plan" to mandate a comprehensive risk management process. This process will culminate in the creation of a robust outline battery safety management plan alongside the emergency response plan, ensuring a more thorough approach to safety.
Inclusion of battery chemistry details
A brand-new section delves into the specifics of battery chemistry, drawing on insights from the Department for Energy and Net Zero (DESNZ) 2024 report. It highlights the safety profiles of different battery types, such as the superior thermal stability of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries compared to Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt oxide (NMC) batteries.
Specific explosion control guidance
Safety takes centre stage with a new section dedicated to explosion control and deflagration protection. This section references British and NFPA standards, such as BS EN 16009:2011 and NFPA 68, and mandates that flames and materials discharged during venting must be safely directed outside.
Updated site separation distances
The guidance has revised its recommendations for site separation distances:
- The minimum distance between BESS cabinets and occupied buildings has been increased from 25 metres to 30 metres, aligning with NFPA 855:2023 standards.
- For spacing between BESS enclosures, if certain tests (e.g., UL 9540A) demonstrate contained propagation, the separation distance can now be reduced to 0.914 metres (3 feet), a significant change from the previous 6-metre standard.
Clarified water flow requirements
To ensure effective firefighting capabilities, the guidance now specifies a fire hydrant flow rate of no less than 25 litres per second (1,500 litres per minute). If this flow rate cannot be achieved, an equivalent static supply of approximately 180,000 litres is required to sustain operations for 120 minutes. This update replaces the previous recommendation of 1,900 litres per minute for two hours.
Detailed incident impact assessment
Developers are now required to produce a comprehensive plan identifying all sensitive receptors within a 1km radius of the site. This plan must assess the potential impact of an incident, including business continuity considerations and fire gas plume modelling.
Guidance on vapour cloud mitigation
To enhance safety during emergencies, the guidance recommends providing an alternative access point or a perimeter 'loop' type of vehicle access. This ensures personnel can avoid entering the site through a vapour or gas cloud to reach the scene of an incident.
Refinements from consultation to final draft
The finalised guidance incorporates several refinements based on consultation feedback, ensuring it is both practical and robust:
- Risk management terminology: The terminology has been refined to emphasise the importance of a comprehensive risk management process, resulting in a robust battery safety management plan alongside the emergency response plan.
- Vegetation clearance distance: The required clearance distance for combustible vegetation around BESS cabinets has been reduced from 10 metres to 3 metres, making it more practical while maintaining safety.
- Vapour cloud mitigation for access: If an alternative access point is not feasible, a perimeter 'loop' vehicle access can now be provided to ensure safe entry to the site.
- Explosion control standards: The list of standards for explosion protection designs has been expanded to include NFPA standards, such as NFPA 68 and NFPA 69, alongside British Standards.
- Water supply citation: The water flow rate requirement of 25 litres per second now references the National Guidance Document on the Provision of Water for Firefighting (2025), ensuring alignment with the latest standards.
A step forward in safety and preparedness
The updated guide represents a significant leap forward in ensuring the safety and efficiency of energy storage systems. With its expanded scope, detailed risk management processes, and enhanced safety measures, it provides a robust framework for stakeholders to navigate the complexities of modern energy storage. These updates not only reflect the latest industry standards but also demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement and collaboration. To review the insurability and ultimately the bankability of the project please get in touch with a renewable energy specialist to discuss.
