Probability of energy storage battery catching fire

Are battery energy storage systems safe?

Owners of energy storage need to be sure that they can deploy systems safely. Over a recent 18-month period ending in early 2020, over two dozen large-scale battery energy storage sites around the world had experienced failures that resulted in destructive fires. In total, more than 180 MWh were involved in the fires.

How many MWh of battery energy were involved in the fires?

In total, more than 180 MWh were involved in the fires. For context, Wood Mackenzie, which conducts power and renewable energy research, estimates 17.9 GWh of cumulative battery energy storage capacity was operating globally in that same period, implying that nearly 1 out of every 100 MWh had failed in this way.1

Are lithium-ion batteries a fire risk?

Over the past four years, insurance companies have changed the status of Lithium-ion batteries and the devices which contain them, from being an emerging fire risk to a recognised risk, therefore those responsible for fire safety in workplaces and public spaces need a much better understanding of this risk, and how best to mitigate it.

How many fires a year are caused by lithium ion batteries?

In the UK, Lithium-ion batteries discarded in domestic and business waste are responsible for an estimated 201 fires a year. This figure is increasing weekly, meaning that 48 per cent of all waste fires now cost the UK economy £158m per annum².

What are the risks of lithium batteries?

Abstract: Lithium batteries have been rapidly popularized in energy storage for their high energy density and high output power. However, due to the thermal instability of lithium batteries, the probability of fire and explosion under extreme conditions is high.

Does your fire risk assessment cover lithium-ion battery fires?

A survey of more than 500 organisations carried out between September 2023 and February 2024 revealed that 71 per cent of respondents had not updated their fire risk assessments to cover the risk of Lithium-ion battery fires, with just 15 per cent having done so and a further 14 per cent unsure.