Energy Storage News•about 1 month ago
Large-Scale Fire Testing (LSFT): from best practice to mandatory requirement
Key Takeaway
New mandatory BESS fire testing requirements will increase project complexity, costs, and development timelines for developers and large power consumers, necessitating proactive planning and budgeting.
AI Summary
- •Large-Scale Fire Testing (LSFT) for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) is transitioning from a best practice to a mandatory requirement, with at least a dozen companies already conducting tests.
- •The 2026 edition of NFPA 855 will mandate LSFT, creating a significant regulatory shift that will impact BESS project design, permitting, and deployment for developers and large power consumers.
- •Developers and large power consumers should anticipate increased BESS project costs, potentially longer development timelines, and new compliance burdens due to these mandatory safety testing requirements.
- •Future BESS projects will necessitate adherence to LSFT, influencing equipment selection, insurance premiums, and overall project financing and viability.
Topics
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Article Content
BESS Large-Scale Fire Testing (LSFT) has been adopted as part of best practice thinking on safety validation, with at least a dozen companies announcing tests and results and many more expected going forward. It becomes mandatory in the 2026 edition of NFPA 855.