Safety of alternative and renewable energy technologies

Fire and emergency services have a duty to minimise the risk and impact of fire on the public and their personnel.    

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is the Centre’s key partner for this research. FRNSW works to deliver impactful research that supports evidence-based policy and decision making, informs fire prevention activities in the community and the built environment, and enhances response capabilities.    

This project aims to enhance understanding of the fire propagation behaviours of BESS to address gaps in knowledge regarding lithium-ion battery failures under various scenarios. This includes internal battery failures and those caused by external factors such as bushfire impingement, temperature extremes, impact or shock, vibrations and water damage from storms and flooding.

The research findings will provide guidance on: 

• separation, detection and protection requirements for BESS installations
• operational procedures for emergency service responses.