What is BESS?
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) use lithium-ion batteries to store excess electricity for later use, helping to replace fossil fuels with renewables. Since renewables depend on weather and lack flexibility, energy storage is essential to balance supply and demand. The government expects grid energy storage demand to reach 10 GWh by 2030 and 20 GWh by 2035.
BESS and Kingsway Solar
Kingsway Solar plans to install BESS near our villages as a key part of their revenue model. This will allow the solar farm to store excess energy produced during peak sunlight hours, providing electricity to the grid, even when the sun isn’t shining, though storage is limited to about 4–6 hours at peak output.
However, it also raises important safety concerns.
Fire safety in the news
Lithium-ion battery failures are relatively rare, but in the event of a malfunction, they can represent a serious fire risk. Thermal runaway is of particular concern with BESS, as it can trigger self-sustaining fires or explosions. Once started, it is difficult to control due to the release of flammable and toxic vapors, the risk of reignition, and violent reactions with some extinguishing agents.
The recent fire at the Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility in California highlighted the challenges of fighting lithium-ion battery fires. The blaze led to the evacuation of 1,500 residents and released toxic gases. Fire crews allowed the fire to burn out naturally, a common approach for these difficult-to-extinguish fires. The facility, operated by Vistra Energy, is the largest of its kind in the world.
The Moss Landing fire highlights the need for improved safety protocols, real-time monitoring, and stricter regulations.
BESS and safety regulations
In the government’s research briefing on BESS, it states that there are no specific laws governing the safety of BESS. However, individual batteries may need to meet product safety regulations, and grid-scale facilities such as the BESS planned for Kingsway solar could be required to comply with fire safety standards and health and safety laws.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) from Kingsway Section 5.6 downplays the need to assess major accident risks, citing their rarity, existing guidance and ongoing risk management. These justifications are inadequate and we strongly argue that major accidents and disasters should be included for further assessment in the EIA and Environmental Statement to protect local residents.
A new CROSS Topic paper was published in February 2025 on Fire Safety Concerns with Lithium-ion Batteries
In collaboration with the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures (CROSS) has released an important new Topic Paper highlighting the fire safety risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. This eight-page document draws on research, industry guidance, and real-world incident reports from the UK to address concerns surrounding both consumer battery-powered devices and large-scale BESS. Given the risks (in particular thermal runaway events), they recommend that all stakeholders—including building owners, developers, engineers, and emergency responders—must stay informed and take proactive safety measures.
Recommended key safety measures
To mitigate the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries, CROSS recommends several critical safety measures:
- Battery management systems – Monitoring voltage, current and temperature to prevent overcharging and overheating.
- Fire detection and suppression – Installing systems that quickly detect and isolate overheating batteries while deploying suitable extinguishing agents.
- Safe storage and disposal – Avoiding improper stacking, crushing, or mixing with other flammable materials.
- Ventilation and fire barriers – Preventing the accumulation of flammable vapours and limiting fire spread.
- Routine inspections and maintenance – Identifying damage or deterioration before it leads to failure.
- Emergency preparedness – Establishing clear protocols to protect personnel and property in case of fire.
Read the CROSS Topic Paper ‘Fire Safety Concerns with Lithium-ion Batteries’ in full online
Concerned about the proposed battery storage systems (BESS) at Kingsway Solar? Write to your MP and join our campaign to protect our local countryside and wildlife.