The rise in demand for renewable energy sources has led to the increased use of battery farms, particularly those housing lithium-ion batteries. These energy storage systems play a vital role in managing the supply and demand of electricity, ensuring that power generated from renewable sources like wind and solar can be stored and used when needed. However, with great power comes great responsibility – specifically, the responsibility to manage and mitigate the risk of fires.
As the UK accelerates its transition to renewable energy, the demand for large-scale energy storage is surging – bringing with it new and complex fire safety challenges. One of the most prominent developments in this space is the rise of battery energy storage systems (BESS), often known as battery farms. These facilities, frequently housing lithium-ion batteries, are critical to balancing supply and demand across the national grid. They ensure power generated from solar or wind farms can be stored and used when needed.
But while battery farms enable cleaner energy, they also pose a significant fire risk – one that fire services across the UK are increasingly concerned about. In this article, we explore the challenges of fire suppression in battery farms, with a particular focus on UK-specific concerns, regulations, and best practices.
Battery Farms: An Emerging Fire Risk in the UK
Lithium-ion batteries, while efficient and powerful, come with their own set of challenges. One of the most significant issues is their susceptibility to thermal runaway – a chain reaction within the battery that leads rapid overheating and potentially catastrophic fires. This process can be triggered by several factors, including physical damage, manufacturing defects, or extreme temperatures.
Battery farms are already here and on the rise. The UK’s largest battery energy storage project to date is capable of storing more than 196MWh, and dozens of other sites are now operational or in development. But these facilities come with a growing fire risk.
In a 2024 report by the Fire Industry Association (FIA), UK Fire Chiefs expressed serious concerns about the lack of national guidance for fire and rescue services responding to battery farm incidents. According to Chief Fire Officer Paul Hedley, Chair of the NFCC Protection and Business Safety Committee, battery farms “present a unique and potentially catastrophic risk,” with the potential for fires to escalate rapidly and emit toxic gases.
This isn’t just theoretical. In June 2024, a lithium-ion battery fire at a site in Bedfordshire led to plumes of black smoke, widespread media coverage, and a multi-agency response. Local residents were told to close their windows and stay indoors, highlighting the scale of impact such incidents can have—not just on the site, but on surrounding communities.
What Causes Lithium Battery Fires?
Lithium-ion batteries are widely used for their high energy density and rechargeability. However, they are vulnerable to a phenomenon known as thermal runway — a chain reaction of overheating that can lead to intense fires and even explosions. Once it starts, thermal runaway is notoriously difficult to stop.
Common causes include:
- Physical Damage: If a battery is punctured or crushed, it can lead to internal short-circuiting.
- Overcharging: Pushing a battery beyond its charge limit can generate excessive heat.
- Manufacturing Defects: Poorly manufactured batteries might have internal flaws that predispose them to failure.
- High Temperatures: Batteries exposed to high ambient temperatures are more likely to overheat.
Given these risks, it’s crucial to have robust fire suppression systems in place at battery farms.
Fire Suppression Systems in Battery Farms
Given the unique risks posed by battery farms, traditional fire protection measures – like standard sprinkler systems are often insufficient. Fire suppression systems must be tailored to the specific risks of high-voltage, enclosed, and potentially toxic environments. Fire suppression systems in battery farms are designed to detect, control, and extinguish fires before they can cause widespread damage. These systems are complex and need to be tailored to the specific needs of a battery storage facility.
Types of Fire Suppression Systems
- Gaseous Fire Suppression: These systems release inert gases, like nitrogen or argon, to displace oxygen in the environment, thereby suppressing the fire. They are effective but must be designed to ensure that the gas concentration is sufficient to prevent re-ignition.
- Water Mist Systems: Utilising fine water droplets, these systems cool the fire and reduce oxygen levels. Water mist systems are advantageous because they use less water than traditional sprinkler systems, minimising water damage.
- Foam Fire Suppression: Foam systems create a barrier between the fuel and the fire, preventing the release of flammable vapours. This method is particularly useful in areas where flammable liquids are present.
- Dry Chemical Systems: These systems deploy a dry chemical agent to interrupt the chemical reaction of the fire. While effective, they can leave a residue that may require cleanup.
Choosing & Implementing Fire Suppression Systems
The choice of fire suppression system depends on several factors, including the size of the battery, the types of batteries used, and the specific risks identified. It’s crucial to conduct a thorough risk assessment to determine the most appropriate system, considering:
- Battery type and chemistry
- Layout and ventilation
- Ambient temperature controls
- Detection and monitoring capabilities
- Fire service accessibility
Once risks are mapped, systems should be designed, installed, and tested by experienced fire protection professionals. Ongoing maintenance, testing, and personnel training are also critical to long-term system reliability.
When implementing a fire suppression system in a battery farm, several steps must be taken to ensure effectiveness and compliance with safety regulations.
Risk Assessment
Begin with a comprehensive risk assessment to identify potential fire hazards and evaluate the likelihood and impact of a fire event. This assessment should consider the type of batteries, their arrangement, and the environmental conditions of the storage facility.
System Design
Design the fire suppression system based on the findings of the risk assessment. Consider factors like the layout of the battery storage, ventilation, and access for maintenance and emergency response.
Installation and Testing
Once designed, the system must be installed by qualified professionals. After installation, it’s vital to conduct rigorous testing to ensure the system operates as intended. Regular maintenance checks are also necessary to keep the system in good working order.
Training and Drills
All personnel involved in the operation of the battery farm should receive training on the fire suppression system and emergency procedures. Conduct regular fire drills to ensure everyone knows how to respond in the event of a fire.
Regulatory Compliance and Best Practices
Although much of the global guidance around battery safety comes from US-based standards like NFPA 855 and UL 9540, in the UK the situation is evolving.
Key UK and international standards to consider include:
- BS EN 50272-2: Safety requirements for secondary batteries and battery installations.
- BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations): Covers electrical installations including energy storage.
- ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems.
- UK Building Regulations & Fire Safety Act 2021: Ensures buildings, including energy storage sites, comply with fire safety principles.
There is currently no single UK standard that addresses fire suppression in battery farms, but the FIA and NFCC are actively working to fill this gap.
Best Practices
- Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of all batteries and fire suppression equipment to ensure they are in good condition.
- Monitoring Systems: Use advanced monitoring systems to detect early signs of battery failure or overheating.
- Emergency Response Plan: Develop and maintain a comprehensive emergency response plan, including evacuation procedures and communication protocols.
As the UK presses forward with its renewable energy goals, battery farms will become increasingly vital to grid stability. But with their benefits come real and present fire risks – and ignoring them is not an option.
Fire suppression systems are not a regulatory afterthought; they are mission-critical infrastructure. By investing in robust detection and suppression technologies, conducting thorough risk assessments, and staying abreast of UK guidance, operators can safeguard their assets, their people, and the communities around them.
At Bryland Fire Protection, we bring decades of expertise in complex fire suppression systems. From initial design to installation, servicing, and compliance support, we help our clients stay protected—no matter how rapidly technology evolves.
