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The use of lithium-ion in rechargeable batteries is well established globally. Over the last 50 years it has reached widespread adoption in consumer electronics and in the last decade with electric vehicles and grid-scale energy storage systems.
However, the sector is far from static, continually applying new best practices and learning from experience to design energy storage systems that operate as safely as possible.
There are over 8.7 million fully Electric and Plug-in Hybrid cars in use around the world, and over 12 GWh of stationary battery storage in operation (equivalent to approximately 1.2 billion iPhones), yet battery fires are an extremely rare occurrence due to the multiple levels of prevention, protection and mitigation measures that go into their design, manufacture, distribution and operation.
Safety is fundamental to the development and design of energy storage systems. Each energy storage unit has multiple layers of prevention, protection and mitigation systems that minimise the risk of overcharge, overheating or mechanical damage that could result in an incident such as a fire. There are also international best practice guidelines for industry to aid developers in the design and operation of battery storage systems in a safe and secure manner. A global approach to hazard management in the development of energy storage projects has made the lithium-ion battery one of the safest types of energy storage system.
ESI will continue to engage with its members to ensure that safety is at the forefront of grid-scale battery energy storage developments in Ireland.
We are also eager to work with Local Authorities, first responders, fire services and others to ensure battery storage projects in Ireland are developed to the highest standard and that key stakeholders understand how this technology operates.
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