Outdoor energy storage battery standards

Are battery energy storage systems safe?

WASHINGTON, D.C., March 28, 2025 — Today, the American Clean Power Association (ACP) released a comprehensive framework to ensure the safety of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in every community across the United States, informed by a new assessment of previous fire incidents at BESS facilities.

What types of batteries can be used in a battery storage system?

Abstract: Application of this standard includes: (1) Stationary battery energy storage system (BESS) and mobile BESS; (2) Carrier of BESS, including but not limited to lead acid battery, lithiumion battery, flow battery, and sodium-sulfur battery; (3) BESS used in electric power systems (EPS).

What is a battery energy storage system (BESS)?

The solution lies in alternative energy sources like battery energy storage systems (BESS). Battery energy storage is an evolving market, continually adapting and innovating in response to a changing energy landscape and technological advancements.

Are fire protection requirements not related to battery energy storage system equipment covered?

1.3 Fire protection requirements not related to battery energy storage system equipment are covered by appropriate installation codes. 1.4 See Figure 1.1 for a schematic of the test sequence in this document. See Appendix a which explains: c) Interpretation and application of the results.

How can battery storage facilities be regulated?

In addition to working with fire officials and state policymakers to advance safety standards, the industry has developed a framework to help local governments effectively regulate the construction of battery storage facilities.

What is a battery energy storage system (BESS) & an uninterruptible power supply (UPS)?

Figure 1: A simplified project single line showing both a battery energy storage system (BESS) and an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). The UPS only feeds critical loads, never losing power.