The updated guidance for battery energy storage systems (BESS) replaces the version first published in 2023 and sets out a more detailed approach to risk assessment, planning and emergency response. It aims to do so “without placing an undue burden on developers of BESS installations” and to promote a consistent approach across fire and rescue services, the NFCC said in a statement.
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While intended to support fire and rescue services, the implications extend well beyond operational response. Developers, insurers and local authorities will face tighter expectations around project design, operational planning and long-term risk management.
The document marks a shift towards a more structured, risk-based framework for battery storage deployment, reflecting the rapid growth of large-scale systems across the UK and Europe. The UK had approximately 12.9 GWh of grid-scale BESS online at the end of 2025, according to data from Solar Media Market Research.
From general principles to structured risk planning
A key shift is a move from high-level recommendations to a more formalised planning approach. Thereby, developers are expected to implement a comprehensive risk assessment process, forming the basis for a battery safety management plan a site-specific emergency response plan. Crucially, safety requirements are being addressed earlier, as part of design rather than as a later compliance step.
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Throughout, the NFCC places strong emphasis on early engagement between developers and local fire and rescue services. This is intended to ensure site-specific risks are understood early and that emergency services are familiar with system design, layout and potential hazards before commissioning. In practice, this is likely to influence project timelines, planning approvals and permitting.
Key areas addressed
The updated framework focuses on several core areas:
· Site design and layout
including separation distances, fire spread mitigation and access for emergency services
· Fire and explosion risk management
covering thermal runaway scenarios, ventilation and containment
· Environmental considerations
such as firewater runoff, air quality and potential contamination
· Emergency response planning
including operational procedures, hazard identification and coordination with fire services
· System operation and monitoring
with attention to safety systems, remote monitoring and control
The guidance permits a more flexible approach to design parameters, including unit spacing, where risks are clearly evaluated and mitigated.
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While not legally binding, the guidance is expected to carry weight in planning decisions, insurance requirements and financing conditions. The updated guidance also brings UK practice closer to international approaches to battery safety, including NFPA 855, a widely used US standard for stationary energy storage systems. (TF)
You can read the full guidance here.
