There have been many instances of batteries catching fire reported in the news. Are BESS fire events common?
No. The number of safety incidents per installed capacity has drastically decreased, even as deployment has rapidly expanded globally. While recent fires afflicting some of these BESS have garnered significant media attention, the overall rate of incidents has sharply decreased: between 2018 and 2023, the global grid-scale BESS failure rate has dropped 97%. [SB1]
Are BESS at a high risk of catching fire?
No. Battery fires are extremely rare occurrences, even more so with the lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) chemistry used in this BESS. LFP batteries are far more stable than other lithium-ion chemistries, more resistant to overheating, and much less prone to thermal runaway – the primary cause of battery fires.
Beyond safer chemistry, fire risk is addressed with a holistic approach in the EVLOFLEX BESS, from the cell to the module to the overall container unit.
Each battery module is equipped with thermal barriers between cells to limit the propagation of a thermal runaway and is controlled with an advanced battery management system (BMS) software providing real-time monitoring that can quickly identify, isolate, and shut down thermal risks before they escalate.
Each battery container unit is equipped with a thermal management system maintaining a constant temperature and integrates active and passive safety measures, meeting and exceeding National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) 69 standards.
Additionally, EVLOFLEX is UL 9540 certified to ensure that the system meets rigorous safety requirements for design, construction, and performance, making them safe and reliable.
Is BESS technology proven and reliable?
Yes. BESS and LFP battery technology has been commercially deployed for over two decades. Since the early 2000s, EVLO’s parent company Hydro-Québec has researched and developed LFP battery chemistry, focusing on enhancing its performance and safety before successfully bringing it to market for commercial deployment, namely for energy storage. LFP is now widely used in BESS for various applications with an established safety record and continuous safety improvements.
Could a BESS fire spread to nearby homes?
The risk is extremely low. Testing of the EVLOFLEX has demonstrated that no deflagration occurs at any time and no projectiles are emitted from a battery container during a large-scale fire. Additionally, BESS fires are not associated with the production of embers, which is the primary mechanism of fire spread, therefore further reducing the risk of fire spread to surroundings.
Furthermore, the project site complies to the Ministry of Natural Resources’ guidance and incorporates a 30-meter vegetation clearance to prevent fire spread. In accordance with NFPA 855 standards, there is separation distance between the BESS and the nearest exposures greater than 30-meter to minimize the risk of fire propagation to neighboring buildings.
These measures create multiple safety barriers to protect neighboring properties.
Are local firefighters prepared to handle BESS incidents?
Yes. Solar Bank has partnered with third-party fire safety specialists to provide the local fire department with comprehensive training on BESS. This includes:
Additionally, the company will provide the fire department with air quality monitoring equipment and install a dry hydrant on-site to ensure a dedicated water source is available in case of emergency.
Can firefighters easily access the BESS in an emergency?
Yes. The BESS is located in an easily accessible area with wide clearance for emergency vehicles. Firefighters will receive specialized training to ensure they can safely access and manage any potential incidents on-site.
Do BESS incidents affect air quality?
No, air quality studies confirm that in the rare event of a fire or thermal event, the majority of reactive gases primarily remain contained within the equipment. Due to their high temperature, any released gases disperse quickly into the atmosphere with minimal ground-level risks. Furthermore, the clearance recommended by NFPA 855 prevents from any air quality risks for nearby residents or first responders
Could a BESS fire release chemicals harmful to wildlife or residents?
No. In the rare event of a BESS fire, independent air quality studies confirm that any harmful gases released, which are not atypical to the ones first responders would encounter in a typical structure fire (e.g.: residential fire), would disperse quickly and pose no long-term risk to wildlife or residents.
Would a BESS fire make the area uninhabitable after the event?
No. Air quality assessments confirmed that any gases released during a fire would disperse quickly and would not pose an ongoing hazard. Areas near previous battery incidents have typically returned to normal use shortly after the event.
How will this project avoid straining local emergency services?
Our comprehensive preventive approach includes:
In the unlikely event of a thermal incident, testing on the EVLOFLEX demonstrated that a thermal runaway would stop within 2.5 hours without intervention and without causing a fire. Additionally, testing showed that a large-scale BESS fire would self-extinguish without intervention within 12 hours.
Is there risk of water contamination from the BESS to the Magneawan River or other nearby water sources?
According to a third-party environmental assessment, there is no area of potential environmental concern, including water contamination.
During normal BESS operation, no solid residue or liquid are emitted by the equipment. Additionally, LFP batteries do not contain heavy metals or toxic materials like lead or cadmium, significantly reducing environmental risks compared to other technologies.
In the rare event of a large-scale fire, testing demonstrated that no measurable quantity of liquid was produced if the equipment is allowed to self-extinguish without intervention.
Will the BESS affect nearby property values?
No evidence suggests that properly maintained BESS projects negatively affect property values. In fact, clean energy infrastructure projects often enhance community appeal by demonstrating commitment to sustainability and helping stabilize local energy costs.
What economic benefits will the BESS bring to our community?
The project provides several economic benefits to the local community, including:
What happens when the BESS reaches end-of-life?
The company is responsible for full decommissioning at the end of the contract. We maintain a comprehensive decommissioning plan that includes:
The project is also fully insured, guaranteeing funds for proper decommissioning, even in the unlikely event of company bankruptcy.
[SB1]Source: EPRI, 2024 white paper, Insights from EPRI’s Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Failure Incident Database
