The rapid rollout of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) is crucial to accelerating the energy transition landscape in the US.
However, the pace of this growth is often hampered by on-site fire risks, which can pose significant hazards and challenges for developers and local residents if not managed effectively.
Given these impediments, we’re witnessing the rise of fire suppression products in the market, all of which claim to be at the forefront of protecting BESS sites against fire risks.
Developers now face the challenge of installing the right fire suppression tools tailored to fit their requirements and increasing community trust and support for their projects.
To examine the extent to which local support is contingent on fire safety measures, we at Firetrace conducted a nationwide survey gauging public sentiment for BESS in the US.
Our research revealed that 71% of Americans support BESS and the increasingly vocal 29% who oppose it are mainly driven by misinformation and fire safety fears.
Joe DeBellis
Furthermore, 66% of Americans are more likely to support a BESS site if advanced, reliable fire suppression systems are installed from the get-go, a very promising result that highlights that taking steps to reduce fire risks is essential to win over local opposition.
BESS opposition is further inundated by recent high-profile incidents of fires at some of the US’ most prominent storage sites, which collectively undermine citizens’ trust and support for local projects.
Almost a third (31%) of US citizens who oppose BESS said they are more likely to support a project if fire suppression were installed from the outset.
This has sparked a debate about the effectiveness of both clean agent and aerosol suppression systems in the market, often triggered by misinformation or limited awareness about the dynamics of the fire suppression process.
A common misconception surrounding BESS fire safety is the belief that thermal runaway within lithium-ion batteries is the sole or primary fire risk.
Joe DeBellis
While thermal runaway is a serious hazard that we actively address, this narrow public focus overlooks other critical ignition sources across a BESS site.
According to an EPRI report, approximately 43% of fires at BESS sites stem from electrical equipment, such as failures within the Power Conversion System (PCS).
This underscores the need to address fire risks beyond battery cells alone and to target the root causes of fires wherever they occur on-site.
At Firetrace, we follow a unique approach that leverages two complementary fire suppression strategies to address the multiple root causes of BESS fires.
These solutions can be deployed independently or used together to provide an added layer of protection across the entire site.
Our core solutions utilize focused clean agent suppression systems to target the PCS and other auxiliary electrical components, stopping fires before they can propagate to the battery rack.
Firetrace detection tubing enables rapid detection in power inverters, controllers, capacitors, converters and other PCS equipment.
Crucially, clean agents pose no danger to sensitive equipment and eliminate the need for cleanup.
This targeted approach allows for faster recovery, reduces the likelihood of re-ignition and minimizes the need to micro-manage post-fire response.
In parallel, we have partnered with FirePro to deliver a total-flood condensed aerosol fire suppression solution for broader enclosure protection.
This integrated system includes aerosol generators, a fire control panel, audible and visual alarms, smoke detectors and thermal detectors, providing comprehensive fire protection for BESS environments.
Another prevalent myth is that clean agent fire suppression systems are intended to stop thermal runaway, or that aerosol solutions are ineffective in addressing lithium-ion fire hazards.
In reality, these technologies serve distinct but complementary roles when properly applied.
Our two-pronged approach remains aligned with industry guidance, including 3M’s recommendation against using clean agents to stop thermal runaway.
Joe DeBellis
Clean agents are not deployed to suppress battery cell failures.
Instead, they are used where they are most effective – protecting electrical cabinets and PCS equipment that frequently serve as ignition points.
In partnership with FirePro, we have introduced a total-flood aerosol fire suppression solution, specifically designed to address lithium-ion hazards.
At the heart of the FirePro system is a proprietary solid FirePro Compound (FPC), which transforms into a rapidly expanding, condensed aerosol when activated.
This aerosol interrupts the chemical chain reactions of fire without depleting oxygen or increasing pressure, making it safe and effective for enclosed environments such as BESS containers.
FirePro’s non-pressurized design eliminates the need for complex piping or cylinders, enabling rapid installation even in constrained spaces.
This technology is already certified, listed and trusted globally in high-risk environments including electrical rooms, power generation facilities, marine engine compartments and Battery Energy Storage Systems.
Extensive testing by accredited laboratories and lithium-ion experts demonstrates its effectiveness in controlling fires associated with thermal runaway.
By combining focused clean agent suppression for electrical equipment with total-flood aerosol suppression for battery enclosures, our technology ensures all critical areas of a BESS site are protected, rather than relying on a single solution to address every risk.
Recent developments in the industry highlight the potential of BESS in helping renewable companies and developers meet their net-zero targets.
Beyond technology, public perception plays a decisive role in the success of BESS projects.
Alongside adopting comprehensive fire suppression systems, developers can also increase local trust in BESS in the US by proactively bolstering community support.
Our research revealed that nearly 10% of all US citizens would “swing” to support BESS sites during the consultation/approval stage when fire suppression is included in the design.
Joe DeBellis
This suggests the tangible benefits that effective fire protection can have in addressing community resistance, mitigating fears and debunking fire suppression myths.
Firetrace is committed to playing an active role in enhancing fire safety within the industry and helping developers tackle community opposition.
Installing advanced monitoring systems can also help detect early signs of thermal runaway and all other faults that can lead to fires and malfunctions.
Examining these concerns early-on and building an added layer of safety features can make BESS more reliable assets, reduce local opposition and increase community support.
The debate surrounding aerosol and clean agent fire suppression systems highlights a broader challenge for the BESS industry: aligning technical reality with public understanding.
At Firetrace, we believe that both proactive fire safety measures and community education around fire concerns are an indispensable part of securing additional support for BESS in the US.
By educating communities early on, misinformation can be replaced with confidence.
We seek to address the concerns and misconceptions about BESS sites by providing premier fire suppression solutions that are safer for the environment, people and equipment while also staying involved with local community stakeholders.
Joe DeBellis
Developers who take similar active measures are better positioned to overcome opposition and move projects forward.
