Summary
Concerns about battery energy storage systems (Bess) persist due to fire risks, highlighted by incidents in California and the UK. These systems use lithium-ion batteries to store renewable energy, but their potential to catch fire has raised safety concerns, especially when located near populated areas. Experts note that despite these risks, Bess remains crucial for achieving renewable energy goals due to its storage capabilities.
Key Facts
- Battery energy storage systems (Bess) are facilities that store power in lithium-ion batteries.
- These systems are being built worldwide to support renewable energy usage.
- A fire at a Bess facility in California earlier this year led to the evacuation of 1,500 people.
- Fires at Bess facilities can be hard to extinguish, with past incidents taking up to two days to control.
- The main fire risk comes from a process called thermal runaway, where batteries overheat and release flammable gases.
- There are alternatives to Bess, like cryogenic storage and hydro power, but they are currently less popular.
- Experts highlight the need for more storage capacity to meet renewable energy goals by 2030, despite these fire concerns.
