So, when I see catastrophic events like the #BESSFires or widespread #PFASContamination in #BrunswickMaine, the first thing I think of is, "Where are the wildlife going to hide? How is this event going to affect them and the nearby #ecosystems?"

"The #ElkhornSlough Reserve is closed until further notice due to potential health risks from a fire at the #MossLanding Battery Storage Plant that started on January 16.

"The area has been evacuated and will remain closed until emergency services determines that air quality is no longer hazardous.

"Elkhorn Slough is a cherished #ecosystem of tremendous importance to #MontereyBay and beyond. We appreciate all the efforts of local, county, and state authorities and emergency response teams, as well as the outpouring of concern from the community regarding health impacts for people and #wildlife in the area.

"We have not yet seen reports of any documented negative environmental impacts from this incident, but it is too early to know. The Elkhorn Slough Reserve conducts robust monitoring programs for water quality, habitats, and wildlife. We will be looking closely at impacts from this incident in the future, and will collaborate with partner agencies in their monitoring efforts."

https://elkhornslough.org/moss-landing-fire-incident-january-2025/
#EnvironmentalDamage #ManMadeDisasters

#Wales - Explosion fears over proposed huge battery farm

by Dafydd Evans, BBC News, January 16, 2025

"Concerns about fires and explosions have been raised over plans to build one of the UK largest #BatteryFarms.

"The Ynni Celyn project would create a 1,000MW #BatteryEnergyStorageSystem (BESS) site on green fields above the village of #Gwyddelwern in #Denbighshire.

"A public meeting will be held on Thursday, with some residents concerned about the safety of the site and potential #EnvironmentalDamage.

"Developer #NatPower said safety was 'paramount' and only about a third of the 75 acre site would house batteries.

"BESS are being built across the UK to help balance the electricity grid, which is becoming increasingly powered by #renewables.

"The systems hold electricity generated from renewable sources such as wind turbines and solar farms.

"Plans for the site, close to the #ClwydianHills and a planned new #NationalPark, were recently shown to the community.

"Dr Kevin Sharp lives near the proposed site and said it could create a 'potential catastrophe'.

"He added said: 'We know that these batteries can catch fire, explode and emit lots of very #ToxicGases.

"'I don't think anyone can guarantee the safety of everybody around here, should there be an incident.'

"'A small chance of a bad thing is an unacceptable risk for the people who live locally.'

"Demand for electricity is expected to double in Wales by 2050 as efforts to reduce carbon emissions continue and BESS sites are seen as providing a stable and reliable supply.

"Similarly sized projects are being built or have been approved.

"However, fires and explosions have been reported around the world including one at a 20MW site in #Liverpool in 2020.

"Jamie Corry also lives close to the site and said it was unsuitable due to the 'shocking' access for the fire service."

Read more:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c30dn61m64eo
#BessFires #LithiumBatteries #LithiumFires

Not to mention possible #hacking of operating systems -- you know, like the electronic devices in Lebanon?

"The root causes of #BESSfires and explosions can be attributed to a variety of factors, such as:

- Improper design is often a significant issue, where systems may not be sufficiently engineered to withstand operational stresses or may lack essential safety measures.

- Manufacturing defects can also play a critical role, as flaws in the production process may lead to issues during operation.

- Incorrect installation practices can result in connections that are not secure or that lead to short circuits.

- Incompatible components within the systems can further exacerbate risks by causing malfunctions.

- Failures during normal operations—such as overcharging, overheating, or errors in the battery management system—can lead to hazardous situations. These failures may arise from external factors like extreme weather, physical damage, or human errors, including inadequate maintenance.

"It’s important to note that failures can occur in different components of the BESS. While the batteries themselves often receive the most attention with respect to safety concerns, other critical aspects, such as control systems, transformers, fire suppression systems, and cooling mechanisms, can also play significant roles in influencing the overall safety of the system.

"For instance, if control systems are not programmed or calibrated correctly, they may fail to monitor and manage battery performance effectively, leading to overheating or even thermal runaway. Similarly, inadequately designed fire suppression systems may not activate promptly in the event of a fire, allowing the situation to escalate. Additionally, ineffective cooling mechanisms can contribute to excessive heat buildup."

https://www.gexcon.com/blog/battery-energy-storage-system-bess-fire-and-explosion-prevention/
#LithiumBattery #LithiumBatteries #LithiumBatteryFires

BESS Failure Incident Database

The database compiles information about stationary battery energy storage system (BESS) failure incidents. There are two tables in this database:

- Stationary Energy Storage Failure Incidents – this table tracks utility-scale and commercial and industrial (C&I) failures.
- Other Storage Failure Incidents – this table tracks incidents that do not fit the criteria for the first table. This could include failures involving the manufacturing, transportation, storage, and recycling of energy storage.

Residential energy storage system failures are not currently tracked.

If you would like to be notified when a new event is added to this database or are interested in other EPRI energy storage safety research resources and opportunities please reach out to [email protected]. For more information on energy storage safety, visit the Storage Safety Wiki Page.

The BESS Failure Incident Database was initiated in 2021 as part of a wider suite of BESS safety research after the concentration of lithium ion BESS fires in South Korea and the Surprise, AZ, incident in the US. The database was created to inform energy storage industry stakeholders and the public on BESS failures.

Read more:
https://storagewiki.epri.com/index.php/BESS_Failure_Incident_Database
#LithiumBattery #LithiumBatteries #LithiumBatteryFires #BESSFires

‘Out of control’: #LithiumBattery energy storage site catches fire in #California, forcing mass evacuation, reports say

Published: Jan. 17, 2025

"A major fire erupted at a battery energy storage site (BESS) in California on Thursday, forcing a mass evacuation and a call for residents in neighboring towns to shut their windows and stay indoors to avoid the #ToxicSmoke, according to recent reports."

https://www.silive.com/news/2025/01/out-of-control-battery-energy-storage-site-catches-fire-in-california-forcing-mass-evacuation-reports-say.html
#MontereyCalifornia #LithiumFire #Airquality #ToxicAir #MossLandingPowerPlant #MossLanding #BESSFires