UL Solutions Enhances Battery Energy Storage System Testing to Drive Safe and Sustainable Growth
As the global demand for renewable energy continues to rise, battery energy storage systems (BESS) have become a cornerstone of the clean energy transition. These systems store energy generated from renewable sources like solar and wind, enabling efficient energy management and grid stability. However, with rapid advancements in battery technology and increasing deployment of BESS, safety concerns—particularly fire risks—have emerged as critical challenges. To address these issues, UL Solutions (NYSE: ULS), a global leader in applied safety science, has announced significant updates to its testing methods for BESS. These enhancements aim to promote the safe and sustainable growth of the energy storage market while addressing innovations such as non-lithium-ion chemistries and evolving fire risks.
Collaborative Efforts Drive Safer Energy Storage Systems
The updated testing methods result from extensive collaboration with key stakeholders, including the energy storage industry, regulatory authorities, and other experts. This collaborative approach ensures that the new standards reflect the latest technological advancements and address real-world safety challenges. The updates are aligned with the fifth edition of ANSI/CAN/UL 9540A, the Standard Test Method for Evaluating Thermal Runaway Fire Propagation in Battery Energy Storage Systems. Published by UL Standards & Engagement, this standard is recognized as the American and Canadian national standard for mitigating thermal runaway propagation risks in BESS.
Thermal runaway—a dangerous chemical reaction that causes batteries to rapidly increase in temperature and pressure—poses significant safety hazards, including fires and explosions. ANSI/CAN/UL 9540A provides a standardized test method to evaluate a battery’s susceptibility to thermal runaway and assess associated fire and explosion risks, such as the ejection of hot particles. After testing, detailed reports are generated to inform the fire and explosion protection measures required for BESS installations. These reports also help demonstrate compliance with installation codes and standards, such as NFPA 855, which governs stationary energy storage systems, and widely adopted fire codes like the International Fire Code® and NFPA 1, Fire Code.
Key Enhancements in the Fifth Edition
Since its original development in 2017, the ANSI/CAN/UL 9540A standard has undergone multiple revisions to keep pace with industry innovations. The fifth edition introduces several critical updates, including:
- Clearer Criteria for Cell-to-Cell Propagation: Enhanced guidelines to better assess how thermal runaway spreads between individual battery cells.
- High-Temperature Test Methods for Diverse Chemistries: Expanded protocols to evaluate non-lithium-ion technologies, such as sodium-ion batteries, reflecting the growing diversity of battery chemistries.
- Testing Protocols for Emerging Applications: New methodologies tailored to unique use cases, such as rooftop and open-garage BESS installations.
These updates ensure that the standard remains relevant and effective in addressing the evolving landscape of energy storage technologies.
Comprehensive Safety Standards for BESS
While ANSI/CAN/UL 9540A focuses specifically on thermal runaway testing, it works in tandem with UL 9540, the Standard for Energy Storage Systems and Equipment. UL 9540 provides comprehensive safety criteria for certifying complete BESS, covering all components—from battery cells and modules to power conversion systems, battery management software, and communication interfaces. Together, these standards create a robust framework for ensuring the safe design, manufacture, and deployment of BESS.
“The rapid integration of energy storage across all sectors demands unwavering focus on mitigating fire and explosion risks,” said Ken Boyce, vice president of Principal Engineering at UL Solutions. “This must be accomplished with a strong foundation of science, as safety and reliability are paramount to the global energy transition.”
Addressing Global Safety Concerns
With the number of BESS installations surging worldwide, particularly for large-scale applications, concerns about safety—especially for utility-scale projects—have intensified. In response, UL Solutions is actively involved in advancing large-scale fire testing (LSFT) methodologies. Collaborating closely with the NFPA Technical Committee, UL Solutions supports a dedicated task group focused on enhancing consensus-based standards for LSFT. Notably, UL 9540A remains the only consensus standard explicitly referenced in NFPA 855 for LSFT in the U.S. and Canada.
Promoting a Resilient Energy Infrastructure
The enhanced testing methods and standards developed by UL Solutions not only protect communities but also bolster the resilience of global energy infrastructure. By fostering safer and more reliable BESS deployments, these efforts empower industries and governments to confidently adopt renewable energy solutions.
Wesley Kwok, vice president and general manager of the Energy and Industrial Automation group at UL Solutions, emphasized the importance of collaboration: “We are committed to working with industry stakeholders to bring safer products to market and support the sustainable growth of the energy storage sector. These efforts ultimately enhance the resilience of our energy systems and safeguard communities worldwide.”
A Safer Future for Energy Storage
UL Solutions’ updates to BESS testing methods underscore its leadership in promoting safety and sustainability within the energy storage industry. By addressing emerging risks, accommodating innovative technologies, and aligning with global standards, UL Solutions is paving the way for a safer and more reliable energy future. As the world transitions to cleaner energy sources, prioritizing safety will remain essential to building trust, protecting lives, and ensuring the long-term success of the energy storage market.
