Remarks on the Safety of Lithium -Ion Batteries for Large-Scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in the UK

Large grid-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are becoming an essential part of the UK energy supply chain and infrastructure as the transition from electricity generation moves from fossil-based towards renewable energy. The deployment of BESS is increasing rapidly with the growing realisation that renewable energy is not always instantly available and hence dispatchable when consumers need it. This paper is a brief overview of the fundamental battery chemistry and some of the important safety issues of these large, energy—dense facilities. Our aim is to examine the potential causes of major BESS “battery fires” and explosions and the essential mitigation procedures that must be in place before their further deployment. It is strongly recommended that there is a pause to the widespread ongoing deployment of BESS installations in the UK and indeed in all countries until the necessary health and safety (H&S) standards and practice are adopted through established appropriate regulatory conditions for BESS hazards.