A Massachusetts watchdog group has raised alarms about the Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) guidance for constructing large battery storage facilities. They claim the guidelines, meant for small batteries, could lead to serious safety issues due to a lack of applicable standards for larger batteries.
• Massachusetts plans to build around 3,500 MW of grid-scale battery projects over the next two years as part of the 2024 Energy Act.
• The DEP issued safety guidance in August, which is based on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 855. However, this standard is designed for small batteries with a maximum capacity of 50 kilowatt-hours.
• In contrast, the new battery installations could have capacities of 4,000 kilowatt-hours or more, meaning the guidance does not adequately address the risks associated with these larger systems.
• The distances prescribed in NFPA 855 for battery spacing may not provide adequate safety, raising the risk of large-scale fires if one battery ignites.
• The lack of a standard for giant batteries is concerning, as many entities, including the EPA, are incorrectly referencing NFPA 855 for grid-scale installations.
• There is a pressing need for clear safety regulations to prevent potential disasters linked to these large battery systems.
Urgent action is necessary to establish safe guidelines for constructing grid-scale battery facilities in Massachusetts and beyond, as current standards are insufficient to manage the associated risks.
https://www.cfact.org/2025/10/10/deadly-grid-battery-fallacy-exposed-in-massachusetts/
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