
Page | 001 Grid Scale Battery Energy Storage System planning – Guidance for FRS Grid scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are a fundamental part of the UK’s move toward a sustainable energy system. The installation of BESS systems both in the UK and around the globe is increasing at an exponential rate. A number of high profile incidents have taken place and learning from these incidents continues to emerge. In the UK, approval for the majority of BESS installations takes place through the Local Authority planning process. Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) may be engaged throughout the planning process, but this is not a statutory requirement. However, the National Fire Chiefs Council would encourage early engagement with the local FRS, continuing throughout the planning process. The NFCC’s expectation is that a comprehensive risk management process must be undertaken by operators to identify hazards and risks specific to the facility and develop, implement, maintain and review risk controls. From this process a robust Emergency Response Plan should be developed. Given the rapidly developing nature of the technology, and ever evolving understanding of risks and mitigation measures, there is a need for guidance to support FRSs in providing consistent and evidence-based contributions to the planning process. The guidance does not seek to provide a full specification or opinion on the entirety of a BESS system design. Instead, the aim is to limit the content to such matters that directly relate to facilitating a safe and effective response, by the fire and rescue service, to a fire or vapour cloud release involving a BESS installation. This includes factors such as facilities for the fire and rescue service, and design factors that contribute to reducing the escalation in the severity of an incident. This guidance relates specifically to grid scale (typically 1 MW or larger) BESS in open air environments, using lithium-ion batteries. The guidance is based upon a range of supporting materials including academic research, national and international standards, case studies, and industry guidance. The content of this document is the result of analysis of that supporting material with subsequent professional judgement applied. Every BESS installation will be different and fire and rescue services should not limit themselves to the content of this guidance. Particular reference has been made to the following: Page 1 of 10
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