Chinese authorities are reportedly considering ordering large-scale investigations of energy storage plants across the country for potential fire risks, according to the 21st Century Business Herald. This move comes in the wake of recent disasters at energy storage facilities, signaling tighter standards for China’s booming battery energy storage industry.
Prompted by incidents such as the June 26 fire at a lithium battery factory in Seoul that killed 23 people, mostly Chinese migrant workers, and a March fire at a commercial energy storage facility in Wenzhou, China, authorities have already carried out safety inspections at some energy storage manufacturers, developers, and operators.
The 21st Century report cites a person with knowledge of the matter, who says that many of China’s energy storage plants at renewable energy facilities, built to fulfill local government mandates, have been little used and could unknowingly pose safety risks.
China has in recent years built the world’s largest battery energy storage fleet, mostly using lithium-ion batteries, to boost the use of renewable electricity by smoothing out fluctuations in wind and solar generation. However, fire risk remains a concern with this technology, especially with lower-quality batteries, according to experts.
The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the Ministry of Emergency Management have not yet responded to requests for comment on the potential nationwide investigation. This move by Chinese authorities signals a growing focus on addressing safety concerns in the country’s rapidly expanding energy storage sector.