BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE
FIRE SAFETY BEST PRACTICE
FOR BESS DEVELOPERS
BY SENIOR FIRE SERVICE CONSULTANTS
BESS FIRE SAFETY CONSULTANCY
The UK Government acknowledges the critical role that Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) will play in achieving a net zero electricity supply by 2035.
Fire safety has become a significant issue for BESS projects in the UK and a growing number of projects are failing to gain planning consent or discharge planning conditions based on both real and perceived fire safety deficiencies.
And that is where we come in.
We know what Fire Services want to see incorporated into your plans so can get you on the front foot right at the beginning of your project.
CONSULTANCY SERVICES
At JHC, we can take care of delivering all fire safety related aspects of a project, or work as your specialist advisor to in-house planning and design teams. Our typical areas of responsibility can include -
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Incorporating NFCC guidance and the most up to date best practice for BESS site selection and design
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Documentation for planning applications eg risk assessment, fire safety systems and operational fire safety approach
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Commissioning and overseeing planning technical reports eg smoke and toxic plume modelling for sites near residential receptors
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Development of Battery Safety Management Plan, Emergency Response plan and other required documentation
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Consultation, collaboration, engagement and support with all required stakeholders including:
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Fire and Rescue Service - site design, safety systems and operational fire safety matters
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Public consultation - fire safety content development, attending public exhibition, parish and district council meetings
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Local planners and planning committees - including attending planning hearings
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Planning, technical and communications teams and contractors - whether in-house or external partners
In collaboration with your specialist battery experts, we embed NFCC guidance and fire safety best practice into site selection and design
PLANNING COMPLIANCE
All fire documentation for planning applications including risk assessment, fire safety systems and operational fire safety approach
TECHNICAL REPORTING
Technical reports required for planning, for example smoke and toxic plume modelling for sites near residential receptors
POST-PLANNING SAFETY
Post-planning Battery Safety Management Plan, Emergency Response Plan and all documentation to ensure planning is discharged
ENGAGEMENT & ATTENDANCE
FIRE SERVICE ENGAGEMENT
Consultation with Fire and Rescue Service on site design, safety systems and operational fire safety matters
PUBLIC CONSULTATION
Fire safety content development and attendance at public exhibition, and parish and district council meetings
COMMUNICATION WITH AUTHORITIES
Engaging with local planners and planning committees and attending planning hearings
CONTRACTOR COLLABORATION
Collaborating with planning, technical and communications teams whether in-house or external partners
We know that if managed well, BESS sites are really safe. We can help support you at local events and meetings to help dispel myths around BESS safety and reassure stakeholders about their concerns.
At JHC, we are former Senior Fire and Rescue personnel, and in constant, productive communication with Fire and Rescue Services, planning authorities and contractors. Put simply, we know what we are talking about when it comes to fire safety.
OUR EXPERIENCE: FIRE SAFETY IS IN OUR DNA
Fire safety is no tick box.
When you've seen and done the work we have, saving lives and livelihoods - fire safety is deep within your DNA.
Therefore, we always put your safety record and reputation at the forefront of what we do. You can trust us to ensure that your site is safe, compliant, and a proud example of achieving net zero.
Headed up by Joe Hassell (former Deputy Chief Fire Officer and on-call lead for the National Fire Chiefs Council), we have many years experience in senior Fire and Rescue Service roles across the UK , allowing for a rich understanding of how FRSs operate, including stakeholder engagement with authorities, councillors and communities and a comprehensive understanding of how to work constructively on projects with local FRS teams and planning authorities.
We have worked on a series of large scale UK BESS projects (200 - 400MW) since the introduction of the NFCC guidance, including projects where fire safety has been a significant concern for local communities and councils.
Through our seniority in the Fire and Rescue Service, in roles across management, training and operations, we are used to talking with stakeholders at every level, from the national media, to worried locals.
We know exactly what needs to happen to get you from planning to operational, and beyond - safely.
A CASE STUDY
NINE BESS SITES FOR CLEARSTONE ENERGY
Following the publication of the NFCC guidance, Clearstone Energy commissioned JHC to provide site design advice and planning application support for nine BESS projects in the UK.
JHC worked with project management and technical teams at Clearstone to reconfigure site designs and introduce new safety systems to reflect NFCC and NFPA guidance and local FRS requirements.
With comprehensive fire safety plans in place for projects, JHC is managing the consultation process with local FRS teams and providing support for wider consultation activities including council meetings and public exhibitions.
Working with the head of planning, JHC helped develop a comprehensive set of planning application templates for fire safety materials and is supporting Clearstone through the planning process for each project including attending planning committee meetings.
The first project - a 400MW BESS in Devon - was granted planning consent in April 2024.
"JHC has played an instrumental role in implementing a robust and comprehensive approach to fire safety for our BESS projects. JHC is a reassuring presence during public consultation activities, able to engage positively with fire service, council and community leaders on safety matters."
Simon Rothwell, Communications and Development Manager, Clearstone Energy
