Insurance and risk management for battery energy storage
With any emerging technology like battery energy storage, comes new risk to insurers however one issue that is relatively well known in this sector is the risk of fire. We break down fire mitigation for battery energy storage projects into four main areas when sourcing the best insurance solution:
Planning and Design: Considerations include the overall design of the site and specifically the separation of battery containers and other major equipment i.e transformers, inverters and sub stations. Fire walls could also been introduced into the design of battery energy storage projects. These are generally constructed of concrete or composite materials and positioned between containers.
Construction: The key issue here is in respect of the experience and familiarity of the EPC contractor with battery energy storage technology. Other important construction factors include the use of non-combustible materials within the insulation of the battery containers and the chosen ventilation and suppression systems for the site.
Fire protection systems: Battery energy storage operators should ensure an adequate water supply is available for firefighters and that the local fire brigade have visited to familiarise themselves with the site. The fire brigade will ideally have a plan devised to prevent any re-ignition scenarios and thermal runaway. Remote and continuous online monitoring, early detection sensors, appropriate venting to avoid the build-up of gas and automatic fire suppression systems to FPA 855 standard should also be in place.
Maintenance: Every battery energy storage site should have a dedicated maintenance schedule including monthly preventive checks, thermographic testing and spare parts should be readily available to minimise business interruption losses