The new guideline sets a clear standard for how battery storage systems should be installed to minimize the risk of fires and other incidents. The guideline is specifically designed to provide practical guidance for the installation of batteries in both commercial and residential buildings, as well as in free-standing outdoor structures. It also covers the latest fire protection requirements for large-scale batteries in containers, increasingly common in large solar and wind farms.
“Energy storage systems are an indispensable technology in our transition to a fully renewable electricity system with very cheap, weather-dependent electricity, but we cannot ignore the potential risks,” said Anna Werner, CEO of the Swedish Solar Energy Federation. “This guideline is a step forward to ensure that the rapidly growing energy storage sector remains safe, reliable and sustainable.”
Main content of the guideline
- Categorization of battery systems based on size and location, with clear information on the requirements for installations in houses, commercial buildings and large-scale battery systems.
- Enhanced fire protection requirements are presented, in addition to general ones, including recommendations for fire compartmentation, separation distances and ventilation.
- Recommendations for risk assessment, with particular focus on large-scale battery installations where risk analysis should be carried out.
- Recommendations for signage for all types of installations. For larger installations, there are also recommendations on response cards for the local emergency services.
The new guideline is a support for installers and property owners and provides clear information on fire protection around the battery itself. The guideline also contains appendices with guidance for fire protection in batteries in other national and international regulations and guidelines, including from the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning and local emergency services.
Statistics on batteries
The number of people who were granted tax deductions for the installation of home batteries increased from 2,000 in 2021 to 43,000 in 2023. The increase looks set to continue to new levels and the installed capacity of home batteries is estimated to increase from just over 200 MW to almost 400 MW in 2024.
See also: Proactive safety measures protect value of PV investments
Statistics are not available for larger batteries, but both commercial batteries in buildings and industry and large-scale battery parks are expected to increase from around 100 MW each at the end of 2023 to well over 1 000 MW in total in 2024.
See also: Report calls for better safety standards for storage systems
The amount of batteries pre-qualified to supply ancillary services to Svenska kraftnät increased in 2023 from 40 MW to 80 MW. At the beginning of October 2024, more than 530 MW was pre-qualified and at the same time a large number of projects are waiting to undergo pre-qualification. (hcn)
