Norfolk County Council is raising alarms over the safety of large battery energy storage systems (BESS) amid fears of potential fire hazards. In a decisive vote, council members have urged Energy Secretary Ed Miliband to allocate funds for training and equipment for local fire services tasked with responding to emergencies at these facilities. As the region prepares for the rollout of multiple battery farms, Conservative council leader Kay Mason Billig expressed her worries regarding their risk profile and emphasized the need for fire services to be consulted on the planning of such projects.
Battery farms are designed to store surplus energy generated from various sources, including solar, wind, and fossil fuels, supplying power when demand peaks. Housed in structures akin to shipping containers and powered by lithium batteries, these systems are integral to the UK government’s ambition to bolster renewable energy storage capacity. While plans aim to expand this capacity from 4.5 GW in 2024 to as much as 27 GW by 2030, the safety of these facilities has come under scrutiny.
The concerns echo sentiments voiced by the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, which identified battery farms as an “emerging risk.” Although fires in battery storage units are infrequently reported, there is currently no unified authority overseeing safety regulations, highlighting the need for established safety standards. Council leader Mason Billig called for legislative changes to ensure that fire services receive proper training and that planning applications for battery sites involve consultation with emergency responders.
Catherine Rowett, a member of the council’s Green group, supported tighter regulations and funding for fire services but cautioned against inciting undue fears among residents, noting that past incidents, such as a fire in Liverpool in 2020, involved outdated technology. She urged caution to prevent sensationalism from clouding the public’s understanding of the risks associated with modern battery installations.
The council’s proposals received substantial backing, with 40 votes in favor and no opposition, leading Mason Billig to formally request assistance from the government. Local fire officials welcomed the idea of greater involvement in the planning and management of battery storage sites, underscoring that improved safety measures can significantly enhance public security in light of evolving energy technologies.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero reaffirmed their commitment to high safety standards regarding battery storage, marking their position that the implementation of battery facilities is vital for energy resilience amid increasing demands for sustainable power solutions.
