Will this transform the energy storage market? Work on national guidelines is underway.
In Poland, work has begun on the first comprehensive document defining safety principles for large‑scale and industrial energy‑storage systems. The initiative aims to address the growing needs of a market that is developing much faster than national regulations concerning the design, fire protection and operation of BESS installations.
The guidelines are being developed jointly by the Scientific and Research Centre for Fire Protection – National Research Institute (CNBOP‑PIB) and the Polish Energy Storage Association (PSME). The document is intended to become practical support for investors, designers, manufacturers, experts, public administration and emergency services.
A growing market requires new standards
Energy‑storage systems play an increasingly important role in the energy transition, stabilizing the power grid and supporting the development of renewable energy sources. However, with the rapid increase in investments, new challenges related to the safety of battery installations are emerging.
Experts point out that the current regulations no longer fully reflect the specifics of modern energy‑storage systems. Technical guidelines based on research results, operational experience and analysis of real hazards are becoming increasingly important.
A comprehensive document will be created
The prepared study, titled “Guidelines on fire safety for large‑scale and industrial energy‑storage systems”, will cover the entire life cycle of BESS installations.
The authors plan to include, among other things:
- formal and design requirements,
- risk analysis and assessment,
- selection of fire‑protection systems,
- rules for locating investments,
- documentation and certification requirements,
- safe operation of energy‑storage systems,
- procedures for firefighting and rescue operations.
The document will be based on both national and European regulations as well as best practices used in foreign markets. It will also include information on various BESS technologies, cell chemistries and battery‑management systems (BMS).
A joint initiative of science and industry
Work on the document began after the signing of a cooperation agreement between CNBOP‑PIB and the Polish Energy Storage Association. Both parties declare that the study will be based not only on analysis of existing knowledge but also on research results and expert experience. If necessary, additional tests and experiments will be carried out to verify the proposed solutions.
According to Barbara Adamska, president of PSME, the development of the energy‑storage market must go hand in hand with building high safety standards. She emphasizes that only solutions based on scientific knowledge and practical experience will increase trust in a technology that is becoming one of the foundations of modern energy systems.
A similar view is expressed by CNBOP‑PIB director, senior brigadier Dr. Eng. Paweł Janik. He notes that the Institute has the research facilities and experience needed to develop fire‑protection guidelines, while cooperation with industry representatives will help create a document that meets real market needs.
The first team meeting already completed
On the day the agreement was signed, the inaugural meeting of the working group took place. Experts discussed the structure of the document, its substantive scope and the schedule for further work. Specialists in design, certification, research and operation of energy‑storage systems were invited to participate.
Ready guidelines as early as 2026
The partners assume that work on the document will be completed by the end of 2026. After undergoing consultation and review, the guidelines are expected to become a publicly available tool supporting the safe development of the energy‑storage market in Poland.
The authors hope that the document will organize the principles of design and risk assessment for BESS installations, standardize the approach to safety issues and fill the gap between existing regulations and the rapidly developing energy‑storage sector. In the face of a growing number of large‑scale investments, this may become one of the most important steps toward building a safe and stable energy‑storage market in Poland.