Some people claim that E-bike and e-scooter fires have resulted in death so large batteries for energy storage may be even more deadly.
On their website, EnergyStorage.org, American Clean Power addresses this claim.
The truth is that no deaths have resulted from energy storage facilities in the United States. Battery energy storage facilities are very different from consumer electronics, with
secure, highly regulated electric infrastructure that use robust codes and standards to guide and maintain safety.
E-mobility devices have been lightly regulated in the past, and some products have used poor-quality battery cells and ineffective safety systems.
They are also charged inside homes, sometimes along egress routes, creating a high level of risk. Like EV batteries, ESS battery systems are highly regulated and subject to stringent certification and testing requirements.
The difference in regulation is evident in vehicle statistics. Worldwide, for the first half of 2023, EV FireSafe cites 500+ light electric vehicle (E-bike and E-scooter) battery fires, but
only 44 passenger EV fires. (EV FireSafe, All Electrified Transport LIB Fire Incidents, Global, 1st January to 30th June 2023, https://www.evfiresafe.com/ev-battery-fire-overview.)
Additionally, utility-scale energy storage systems are located within secure facilities with site plans explicitly designed around maximizing safety of those operating the facilities
and their neighbors. The ESS industry meets with and shares best practices with first responders and communities.
Lessons learned from earlier ESS incidents have been reflected in the evolution of codes and standards. Often, companies go beyond mandatory testing to test more extreme failure scenarios. Altogether, like other electric grid infrastructure, energy storage systems are highly regulated and there are established safety designs, features, and practices proven to eliminate risks to operators, firefighters, and the broader community.
The industry is committed to meeting these standards, such as NFPA 855, which are regularly updated to reflect the latest evidence-based best practices.