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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.

500

Fatalities caused by battery failures in fire-related incidents over the past 30 years.

These fires go beyond mere numbers; they represent lives lost, families uprooted, and communities forever affected. Battery fires are occurring widely and are preventable. By integrating safety standards into battery energy storage systems, we can significantly reduce the occurrence of these fires and help safeguard communities.

[Source]

60%

of lithium is mined for battery applications, causing significant environmental impact.

This number is predicted to increase to 95% by 2030. UL 1974, the Standard for Evaluating Repurposed Batteries, and similar standards promote sustainable sourcing, validate recycled content, and support recycling standards, shaping the battery energy storage landscape.

[Source]

3.3 Million

electric vehicles on U.S. roads in 2024.

If deemed healthy, EV batteries can be repurposed for secondary market applications instead of being discarded — including into energy storage systems. UL 1974 helps prevent these batteries from becoming e-waste and promotes sustainable end-of-life practices.

510 Gigawatts

of global annual renewable capacity was added in 2023, representing a nearly 50% increase over the past two decades.

Safer, more sustainable energy storage is essential. Without improved battery technology, we cannot fully unlock the potential of decarbonized, decentralized power systems. From home solar panels to large-scale factory arrays, today’s power grid is rapidly evolving with technologies like microgrids and on-site battery storage.

[Source]

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.

  • A man gestures while speaking to two others in a room with large screens displaying charts and maps on the wall behind them.

    Inside Gallaudet University’s Approach to Safer Battery Energy Storage Systems

    UL Standards & Engagement and the Urban Land Institute brought industry stakeholders together at Gallaudet University to explore safer, practical…

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  • A worker in a hard hat and high-visibility jacket uses a tablet to inspect or monitor electrical control panels and wiring on a wall, likely performing maintenance or troubleshooting.

    Celebrating 25 Years of Industrial Control Panel Safety with UL 508A

    For 25 years, UL 508A has set the benchmark for industrial control panel safety, reshaping how panels are built and…

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  • A group of 14 people stand in a row on stage, arms linked, posing for a photo at the 3rd ASEAN Battery Technology Conference. Conference banners and partnership logos are displayed on screens behind them.

    A Battery Alliance That Will Power a Safer Energy Future

    Discover how the Battery Alliance is advancing safety, innovation, and collaboration to power a cleaner, more secure energy future.

    Read More
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Frequently Asked Questions

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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.

How do standards help make energy storage safer?

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.

How do energy storage standards fit into the bigger clean energy picture?

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.

View Standard
Rows of white battery storage containers sit in a green field beside solar panels under a blue sky, with distant hills and farmland in the background.

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.

View Standard

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.

View Standard

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.

View all Safety Standards

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.

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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.

Get Involved
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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.

Get Involved