Recording of Wednesday, May 07, 2025 | The smarter E Europe | Conference Program | Language: English | Duration: 37:29 .
The discussion centers on fire safety in renewable-energy systems, focusing on Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Power Conversion System (PCS) suppliers. Jonas from Ignitis Renewables questions the real-world applicability of large-scale fire tests such as CSA’s TS-800 and whether using water is an effective mitigation strategy. Nikos explains that environmental conditions (for example wind) are considered in standards and guidance, but testing cannot reproduce every site condition. Recent revisions to NFPA 855 increase the role of engineered, site-specific evaluation by qualified professionals — an issue underscored by Australian BESS incidents where fire spread between containers highlighted how site wind and layout can affect outcomes. Regarding suppression, NFPA guidance now distinguishes “walk-in” vs non-walk-in enclosures (and many jurisdictions treat them differently): suppression is often required for occupiable/walk-in units, while non-walk-in units may be handled differently by the AHJ; separate proposals and guidance also caution or restrict the use of certain clean-agent or aerosol systems unless testing demonstrates they do not introduce explosion/deflagration risks. For installation timelines after delivery, nine months is reasonable in an optimal scenario but is highly dependent on permitting, logistics and local AHJ requirements. The panel also discussed risk allocation between clients and suppliers, warranty-claim processes and data validation against OEM standards, and the importance of creating enforceable, straightforward warranties (avoiding hidden clauses). Vendors may resist contract simplification initially but can often be persuaded by arguments for fairness and reduced dispute costs. The conversation also covered skills gaps in quality assurance, the need for ongoing training, the impact of evolving minimum container-separation rules (which vary by local code and country), and the need for greater contractor and APC familiarity with Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) in advanced markets. Health and safety KPIs, concerns about quality declines from rushed production, and examples of negligence (tools left in equipment, undisclosed component swaps) were raised. Finally, attendees were encouraged to network, take lunch breaks, and visit other booths — informal engagement and short panel discussions were emphasized as important parts of the conference experience.
Automated summarization by AI Conver
As the share of fluctuating electricity producers (PV and wind power) increases, energy storage systems will have to take on more functions in the grid. Batteries play a key role here; from commercial and industrial storage systems to utility-scale storage for multiple uses, the requirements are rising. Key quality indicators are not only safety (including functional safety) but also reliability as well as performance, defined by efficiency and effectiveness, over an ideally long service life. Site-specific requirements, such as noise generation, are also important considerations. This session will examine these aspects from different perspectives, offering recommendations beyond existing standards based on operational experience.
Further Talks of this session:
Speaker
Kai-Philipp Kairies
CEO
ACCURE Battery Intelligence GmbH
Germany
Recording was not authorized for publication.
Speaker
Andres Blanco
Managing Director
Blanboz Limited
United Kingdom
Recording was not authorized for publication.
Speaker
Nicholas Bartlett
Fire Marshal
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
USA
Speaker
Jonas Meyer
Head of Procurement
ELMI Power GmbH
Germany
Speaker
Jason Goodhand
Global Business Lead - Energy Storage
DNV
Norway