Safety of alternative and renewable energy technologies

Photo: Fire & Rescue NSW

Research theme

Project type

Core research

Project status

In planning

The purpose of this project is to understand the risks related to fire propagation within and between stationary Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) due to external factors to aid in the prevention of injuries to people and minimisation of damage to buildings, infrastructure and the environment.

An online webinar was held at 2:00pm AEST, 18 July 2024 to provide a more detailed briefing of the project and the opportunity for interested parties to pose specific questions. Watch the recording below.

Project details

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 aligns with both the Centre’s focus on research that promotes natural hazard resilience and reduce disaster risk, and a number of FRNSW’s research priority area including: safety of our built environment; the production, storage, use and transport of new and emerging fuels; operational decision-making and safety during an incident; and reducing the economic impact of emergencies.

For this project, the Centre and FRNSW are seeking a research provider to investigate the risks related to fire propagation within and between stationary energy storage systems due to external factors (such as fire impingement, temperature extremes, impact/shock and vibrations, and water ingress/flooding) not considered in current standards. This will be achieved by conducting a series of comprehensive real fire tests at suitable fire research and testing facilities.

Resources