Energy storage
partnerships for safety
Partnering with America’s firefighters
Energy storage developers work with local fire departments and first responders for training and to share information about risks, response plans, and safety measures.
At the state level, the industry and fire service provide guidance for states to incorporate best practices and requirements outlined in the National Fire Protection Association’s safety standard for energy storage.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 855—Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems—provides mandatory requirements for the design, installation, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning of energy storage facilities.
On behalf of the energy storage industry, American Clean Power supports the adoption of the latest version of NFPA 855 across state and local jurisdictions.
As the national gold standard for energy storage safety, NFPA 855 guides and collaboration between the energy storage industry and firefighters to maximize the safe and reliable performance of energy storage as critical grid infrastructure.
Promoting Safety with the National Fire Protection Standard
Current and former firefighters encourage communities to use well-established safety codes and standards to promote energy storage safety, including the National Fire Protection Association's standard for energy storage, NFPA 855 [link]. The energy storage industry agrees and is working with America's firefighters to promote the adoption and incorporation of NFPA 855 into the state and local rules guiding the development and operation of energy storage resources.
What leading safety experts say about energy storage
I really believe the industry is growing in a positive way right now—we’re learning more, we’re gaining knowledge, we’re looking at other agencies that have understanding of how to regulate these systems, as well as involving the developers and operators early in the process.
Former Captain
Kern County Fire Department
Bakersfield, CA
Regulators and policymakers should be aware of required codes and standards, because those must be incorporated into local regulations. NFPA 855 requires all energy storage systems be listed to UL 9540, a standard that incorporates the entire system: the enclosure, the communications, the HVAC...a whole systems approach."
Division Chief, Fire Prevention and Administration
The Elizabeth Fire Protection District
Elizabeth, Colorado
I believe that different communities and different businesses should adopt NFPA 855, because it’s been vetted by many different sides of the equation.
Former Fire Chief, Peoria, AZ
Former Assistant Fire Chief, Phoenix, AZ
Project Director – Hiller Company
Phoenix, AZ