A new report from Firetrace International has underscored significant fire risks posed to renewable energy projects from co-located battery systems, potentially jeopardizing efficient energy generation efforts, according to the study titled ‘Double Indemnity: How to tackle fire risk at co-located renewables projects'.
The report points out that while attention has rightly focused on managing fire risks in battery systems co-located with solar and wind assets, similar precautions are often overlooked for the solar panels and wind turbines themselves. This oversight could lead to severe consequences, including substantial financial losses and project downtime.
“Last year, the industry's awareness of energy storage fire risk grew substantially, partly driven by delays and cancellations of projects due to fire concerns,” noted Brian Cashion, Director of Engineering at Firetrace International.
The study highlights that despite being less frequent, fires in wind turbines and solar farms still present significant risks, with potential losses estimated at $9 million USD per turbine and significant operational downtime. This risk is compounded by varying local regulations, necessitating comprehensive risk assessments and tailored fire suppression systems across project sites.
Firetrace's report advocates for extending fire safety measures typically applied to battery systems to encompass all co-located renewable energy assets, alongside independent fire risk assessments and compliance with local fire safety regulations. Regular testing and maintenance of fire suppression systems are also recommended to mitigate risks effectively.
“With the increasing deployment of battery plus solar or wind projects, it is crucial to address these avoidable losses by ensuring comprehensive fire protection across all project assets,” emphasized Cashion. “Protecting infrastructure, revenue, and reputation requires equal attention to all potential fire hazards.”
