New fire protection guidelines launched for battery energy storage in Sweden

Nov 01, 2024

Swedish Solar Energy has issued an updated fire protection guideline, version 1.1, focusing on the installation of stationary battery storage systems (BESS) in Sweden.

This latest version, released on October 29, 2024, was developed after consultations with industry members, including input from the Swedish Fire Protection Association.

As renewable energy adoption and the use of lithium battery storage expand, the guideline aims to support safety for battery installations across both private and commercial settings.

The new guideline is directed at a broad range of stakeholders, such as installers, property owners, and others in the energy storage industry.

Swedish Solar Energy’s CEO, Anna Werner, stated: “With this guideline, we want to make it easier for players in the industry to work safely and sustainably.

“It is an important tool to ensure fire safety and at the same time support the expansion of energy storage systems in Sweden.”

The updated document provides actionable guidance on safe battery installation, maintenance, risk assessments, and battery placement.

With the rising use of lithium batteries in energy storage, Swedish Solar Energy intends for these measures to mitigate risks associated with battery fires and explosions.

The guideline encompasses both small-scale residential battery setups and large industrial installations, such as freestanding commercial battery units.

It also outlines precautionary measures to reduce fire risks and offers procedures for emergency response preparations.

Swedish Solar Energy reports a significant increase in tax credits granted for home battery installations, reflecting the growth in residential energy storage demand.

Tax credit approvals rose from 2,000 in 2021 to 43,000 in 2023.

The trend is anticipated to persist, with home battery installations projected to increase from approximately 200 MW to nearly 400 MW in 2024.

In the commercial sector, battery capacity is also set to grow, with installations on industrial sites expected to collectively surpass 1,000 MW by the end of 2024, compared to around 100 MW at the end of 2023.

The number of batteries pre-qualified to deliver support services to the Swedish power grid rose substantially from 40 MW to 80 MW in 2023.

By early October 2024, more than 530 MW of battery capacity had been pre-qualified, with several additional projects awaiting approval.

This increase underscores the growing role of battery storage systems in stabilising and supporting Sweden’s energy infrastructure.

Swedish Solar Energy launched version 1.1 of its fire protection guideline for stationary battery storage systems on October 29, 2024.

Developed with industry input, the guideline is aimed at enhancing the safety of lithium battery installations across residential and commercial settings.

It provides installation, maintenance, and risk assessment advice to support the safe use of battery storage systems.

Demand for energy storage has grown notably, with tax credits for residential systems rising from 2,000 in 2021 to 43,000 in 2023.

Large-scale battery projects are also expanding, with commercial installations set to exceed 1,000 MW by the end of 2024.

Additionally, battery capacity pre-qualified for grid support has increased, marking a significant advancement in Sweden’s energy infrastructure.