Abstract:

India is rapidly expanding Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to support renewable energy integration, grid stability, and energy security. This report examines the safety challenges associated with utility-scale, containerized BESS, with particular emphasis on thermal runaway, fire propagation, toxic gas release, and cascading system failures. It reviews global standards and best practices, including UL 9540, UL 9540A, IEC 62933, and NFPA 855, and assesses India’s existing standards, testing infrastructure, and certification framework. The study identifies significant gaps in system-level testing, container-scale fire testing, thermal runaway assessment, emergency preparedness, and regulatory coordination. It recommends developing dedicated testing facilities, strengthening national safety standards, adopting international best practices, enhancing certification and emergency-response capabilities, and building technical capacity. The report provides a roadmap for establishing a safe, resilient, and future-ready BESS ecosystem in India.