Energy Storage
Our work in battery energy storage systems and grid energy storage systems helps create a safer, more sustainable future for clean energy.
What is the Risk to You?
Energy storage systems are essential for advancing renewable energy adoption, but they must be managed safely to prevent hazards such as fires. Learn about the safety risks associated with energy storage and how standards can help protect you and your community.
By the Numbers
Hover over each stat below to learn more.
Keep reading to explore examples of energy storage safety measures in action.
Battery & Energy Storage Safety Resources
We are committed to improving the safety of everyone vulnerable to energy storage risks — and it starts with education. Explore these resources to equip yourself with the knowledge you need to store and use stored energy safely.
Pushing Forward on the Path to Clean Energy
In 2023, ULSE examed how policymakers, companies, and consumers can work together toward a safe transition to the clean energy future. Watch the event replay here.
Consumer Perceptions on Sustainability & Energy Transition
In this report, we surveyed 4,032 U.S. adults to find out their concerns about the environment and its natural resources. Review our findings, including details on battery recycling behaviors.
Frequently Asked Questions
most commonly asked
What makes energy storage systems potentially dangerous?
These systems combine large numbers of lithium-ion battery cells to store large amounts of energy relative to their size. However, these batteries can overheat and explode or catch on fire if damaged, malfunctioning, or otherwise not properly engineered and manufactured. Fires involving lithium-ion batteries are more difficult to extinguish, posing unique challenges for firefighters.
Standards like UL 9540 provide requirements for safe installation, maintenance, testing, and safety evaluation of energy storage systems. They address specific hazards like explosion control and thermal runaway and include warning systems that advance operators’ notification of potential safety issues.
Energy storage is part of a complex value chain that includes generation, transmission, distribution, storage, use, and repurposing of equipment. Standards help ensure safety at each stage while enabling the transition to renewable energy.
Spotlight
Energy Storage Safety Standards
Safety standards have the power to save lives. Explore UL standards that improve energy storage safety and prevent related risks.
UL 9540A: Test Method for Evaluating Thermal Runaway Fire Propagation in Battery Energy Storage Systems
UL 9540A covers safety issues highlighted by U.S. building codes and the fire service. A key focus of National Fire Protection Association NFPA 855 and fire codes is mitigating the fire and explosion risks associated with battery systems, including uninterruptible power supplies and battery energy storage systems.
UL 9540: Energy Storage Systems and Equipment
This comprehensive standard covers electrical, mechanical, and fire safety requirements for stationary energy storage systems and equipment. Recent updates address explosion control, thermal runaway prevention, and external warning communication systems.
UL 1974: Evaluation for Repurposing or Remanufacturing Batteries
As we transition to clean energy, safely repurposing batteries becomes crucial. This standard provides requirements for sorting and grading processes involved in repurposing batteries from their original use, such as in electric vehicles, for use in other applications like energy storage.
Our catalog includes more than 1,700 safety standards and documents that are regularly updated and added to. Explore how our standards are making the world safer for you.
Get Involved
The best standards are made possible by diverse voices and deep collaboration. Be part of the process by helping inform the next generation of standards.
Technical Committees
Each TC is a diverse group of experts representing a broad range of perspectives and interests, including consumers, manufacturers, regulators, supply chain professionals, and more.
As a TC member, you will review proposals for new or revised standards and work collaboratively to achieve consensus through balloting in our transparent process.
Stakeholders
Stakeholders can submit, review, and comment on proposals for new standards or revisions to existing standards. While these individuals cannot vote, the TC considers their input during the standards voting process. Since standards affect everyone, all are welcome to participate as stakeholders. Register online through our Collaborative Standards Development System, CSDS.