What is a Battery Energy Storage System?
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are large-scale facilities that store electricity for later use. They play an important role in supporting renewable energy and helping the UK move toward a more sustainable energy system.
As these systems become more common, it is important they are designed, built, and operated safely to protect people, property, and the environment.
Why Fire and Rescue Services Are Involved
Fire and Rescue Services work alongside local planning authorities and developers to help ensure BESS sites are safe. Early engagement allows potential risks to be identified and managed before construction begins.
Their role is to:
Support safe site design
Ensure emergency responders can access and operate safely
Help prepare effective emergency plans
Protect nearby communities and infrastructure
How Safety is Managed
Planning and Risk Assessment
Before a BESS site is approved, operators are expected to:
Identify potential hazards and risks
Put measures in place to reduce these risks
Develop a detailed Emergency Response Plan
This helps ensure that both the site and surrounding areas are protected.
Safe Design and Construction
BESS sites must be carefully designed to:
Prevent fires from starting
Reduce the risk of fire spreading between units
Limit the impact of any incident
Designs typically consider:
The type of batteries used
The layout and spacing between units
Fire detection and suppression systems
Ventilation and temperature control systems
Early Warning and Monitoring
Modern BESS sites include systems to detect problems quickly, such as:
Continuous monitoring of battery performance
Gas and temperature detection systems
Automatic safety shutdowns
Audible and visual alarms
These systems provide early warning and allow action to be taken before an incident escalates.
Fire Protection Measures
Fire safety is a key part of BESS design. Measures may include:
Fixed fire suppression systems
Water supplies for firefighting
Systems to control or vent gases safely
Water-based systems are widely recognised as effective for managing battery fires and helping to prevent spread.
Access for Emergency Services
Sites are designed to allow fire crews to respond quickly and safely, including:
Multiple access points
Roads suitable for emergency vehicles
Space between battery units to allow firefighting operations
Maintaining clear and safe access is essential during an emergency.
Separation from Surroundings
To reduce risk to nearby areas:
Battery units are spaced apart
Distances are maintained between the site and nearby buildings
Layouts consider wind direction and surrounding features
Water Supply and Environmental Protection
BESS sites must ensure:
Reliable water supplies for firefighting
Systems to manage water runoff
Protection of the environment in the event of an incident
Clear Signage
Sites are clearly marked to provide important information, including:
Identification of the facility
Key hazards
Emergency contact details
This helps emergency responders quickly understand risks when attending an incident.
Emergency Planning
Every BESS site must have a detailed Emergency Response Plan. This includes:
How emergency services are alerted
A layout of the site and key infrastructure
Information on fire safety systems and equipment
Procedures for evacuation and incident response
Plans are shared with Fire and Rescue Services to ensure a coordinated response.
Protecting the Environment
Measures are put in place to:
Control and contain water runoff from firefighting
Reduce risk to nearby land and waterways
Manage flood risks where necessary
After an Incident
Operators are required to plan for recovery following any incident, including:
Preventing re-ignition
Safely shutting down systems
Removing and disposing of damaged equipment
Working Together for Safety
Every BESS site is different, and safety is achieved through collaboration between:
Developers and operators
Local authorities
Fire and Rescue Services
By working together, risks can be reduced and communities can be protected while supporting the transition to renewable energy.
View further information about Battery Energy Storage Systems