- Published: March 2026
- REF/ISBN: 9781787255364
- Edition: 1st
Overview:
This publication has been developed by the EI in response to the growing demand for structured guidance on the safe installation, operation and maintenance of large-scale lithium-ion battery energy storage systems (BESSs). Such systems are essential to the energy transition, supporting grid stability and enhancing system resilience. This publication outlines not only these considerations and their potential consequences, but also the procedures and personnel that can be assigned to mitigate them. Topics include:
- principal risks, including fire, explosion, run-off, electrocution and earth faults;
- BESS-specific risks such as battery swelling and cooling system maintenance;
- the establishment of a safe system of work and its constituent practices; and
- examples of responsibility and competency matrices for BESS projects.
The guidance is intended for developers, operators, engineers, technicians and contractors working with or around large-scale BESS installations. These audiences will benefit from guidance on the safe systems of work required throughout the BESS life cycle, from installation to decommissioning. It also addresses emergency response planning, competency management and risk assessment methods specific to BESS technologies.