Battery Energy Storage Systems

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is aligned with the National Fire Chiefs Council’s guidance for Battery Energy Storage Systems. These systems typically use lithium-ion batteries, similar to those in phones and laptops but much bigger.

The guidance has been developed with the safety of the public and emergency responders in mind.

It is based on trying to help reduce the risk as far as reasonably practicable, whilst recognising that ultimate responsibility for the safe design and running of these facilities rests with the operator.

The National Fire Chief Council’s expectation is that a comprehensive risk management process must be undertaken by operators to identify hazards and risks specific to the facility and develop, implement, maintain and review risk controls. From this process a robust Emergency Response Plan should be developed.

Due to the nature of this emerging and evolving technology, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) does not consider there to be a need to produce Scotland specific guidance.

If SFRS receives information about a proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), we refer those involved to the National Fire Chief Council's best practice guidance.

SFRS is not a statutory consultee as part of the planning process for BESS. Where we are asked to be involved and if with the information provided it appears the proposals do not meet the NFCC guidance this is highlighted to those that have the authority to approve or object to any such application requests.

It is the relevant local authority and/or the Scottish Government's Energy Consents Unit to make final decisions on approving applications.

BESS sites also require licensing through SEPA for which they need to have robust measures in place to control processes and ensure adequate means are in place for preventing fire.

A bespoke working group within SFRS will continue to monitor the increasing applications and development of BESS, as well as the Service's involvement in the planning, consultation and development of these sites.

We firmly believe that a robust approach to prevention and ensuring industry safety standards are met remain key to managing risks and our specialist fire safety enforcement and community safety staff will continue to work with partner agencies in this regard.

However, our highly skilled and trained firefighters can deploy a range of standard and specialist national resources, as determined by the needs of any incident, and our approach will be based on guidance produced by the National Fire Chiefs Council to mitigate the risk and impact to the public and the environment.