ACP Unveils Safety Framework for Battery Energy Storage Systems, Backed by New Fire Incident Assessment

The American Clean Power Association (ACP) has released a comprehensive framework aimed at ensuring the safety of battery energy storage systems (BESS) across the United States, informed by a new assessment of past fire incidents at BESS facilities.

The assessment, conducted by Fire and Risk Alliance, analyzed a decade’s worth of fire-related data and scientific studies. The findings show that no incidents have had an adverse impact on public health or nearby communities. The ACP’s Battery Storage Blueprint for Safety provides essential actions and policy recommendations for state and local governments to regulate battery storage, enforce rigorous safety standards, and improve coordination on safety and emergency responses nationwide.

A key takeaway from the assessment is that environmental samples from BESS fire events showed no hazardous contaminant concentrations, eliminating any public health risks or the need for further remediation. The Blueprint highlights the success of industry efforts to advocate for the enforcement of the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) standard for energy storage, NFPA 855, which includes detailed requirements for certified batteries and equipment.

The battery energy storage industry emphasizes that state and local regulations are crucial for ensuring that every community can benefit from this vital technology. To support these efforts, the industry has developed a framework for local governments to regulate battery storage facility construction effectively. The ACP’s Utility-Scale Battery Energy Storage Systems Model Ordinance is centered on NFPA 855, integrating the national safety standard throughout the permitting process.

As the 2026 edition of NFPA 855 is expected to be finalized in 2025, the energy storage industry is already incorporating its enhanced requirements and collaborating with state and local governments to implement the updated standards. This includes revising the Model Ordinance for re-release in 2025. “The energy storage industry is committed to a proactive and tireless approach to safety and reliability. At its core, energy storage facilities are critical infrastructure designed to protect people from power outages,” said ACP VP of Energy Storage Noah Roberts. “Like substations, transformers, and transmission lines, energy storage systems deliver needed power in times when we need it most. Every community across the country should have confidence that the battery storage facilities keeping their lights on and utility bills affordable adhere to the most rigorous safety requirements. This is why we have released the battery storage industry’s comprehensive, actionable blueprint for safety.” 

The energy storage industry has played an active role in advancing laws and regulations, such as helping Michigan and Indiana pass new laws mandating compliance with NFPA 855, supporting Maryland and New York’s adoption of regulations based on the latest NFPA 855 requirements, and offering policy recommendations in California to address safety concerns following the Moss Landing incident.