Battery Energy Storage Facts
Helping to deliver safe, secure, and reliable power that supports American energy independence.
$21B In Local Investment To Date
America’s current grid-scale energy storage projects represent $21 billion of capital investment in local communities.
American Clean Power, 2025
Over 12 Gigawatts
Installed Per Year
Annual energy storage installations in the U.S. surpassed 12 GW in 2024 and are expected to surpass 15 GW in 2025.
American Clean Power, 2025
New Projects Could Power 24M Homes
Additional 30+GW of energy storage worth $34 billion is currently being developed across the U.S., enough to power 24 million homes.
American Clean Power, 2025
25 New Domestic Suppliers
In the past two years, 25 manufacturing facilities supporting battery storage have been announced across the U.S.
American Clean Power, 2025
ENERGY STORAGE NEWS
"Battery Storage Is Key to U.S. Energy
Dominance"
Detroit News
"Battery Storage Failure Incident
Rate Dropped 97% between 2018 & 2023"
Energy Storage News
"Texas Storage Deployment Saved
at least $750M Since 2023"
Utility Dive
"Giant Batteries Are Transforming
the Way the U.S. uses Electricity"
The New York Times
"Batteries, Not Blackouts: California's
Power Grid Gets Boost From
Battery Energy"
CBS
ENERGY STORAGE NEWS
The Detroit News
ENERGY STORAGE NEWS
Energy Storage News
ENERGY STORAGE NEWS
ENERGY STORAGE NEWS
The New York Times
ENERGY STORAGE NEWS
ENERGY STORAGE NEWS
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What is
battery energy storage?
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) play a vital role in U.S. infrastructure by ensuring grid reliability, reducing energy costs, minimizing power outages, and by strengthening both our energy independence and our national energy security.
A BESS utilizes battery cells to capture and store surplus energy for future use. During periods of low demand, such as nighttime, energy that would otherwise go to waste is stored from the grid. When demand peaks, this stored energy is rapidly fed back into the grid, typically within milliseconds, providing a crucial buffer to meet the immediate energy needs.
By safely capturing and storing electricity at off-peak hours and releasing the stored energy back onto the grid during peak hours, we can be sure that homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, and more have the power they need when they need it most.
We rely on energy storage every day, often without even realizing it.
The batteries that power your phone, computer, and other electronic devices are small-scale versions of the battery energy storage systems connected to our electrical grid. The same technology that powers your personal devices is now being used to help residents power their homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure when they need it most.
We rely on energy storage every day, often without even realizing it.
The batteries that power your phone, computer, and other electronic devices are small-scale versions of the battery energy storage systems connected to our electrical grid. The same technology that powers your personal devices is now being used to help residents power their homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure when they need it most.
Energy Storage
Benefits Everyone
Supports Economies
BESS projects are a boon for local economies, broadening tax bases and reducing local tax burdens without needing a large footprint or adding pressure on other governmental services.
Saves Money
By storing energy during times when electricity prices are low and releasing it during peak demand, BESS projects can significantly lower costs for utilities. This, in turn, translates to reduced electric bills for both families and businesses. Additionally, BESS helps to ease the burden on overloaded electric infrastructure, thereby postponing the need for expensive upgrades.
Reduces Outages
For communities facing unpredictable weather or other disruptions, having cutting edge battery storage systems in place ensures the electrical grid is supported, and guarantees power is readily available when they need it most.
Integrates Renewables
Energy storage introduces more flexibility into the electrical grid, facilitating the integration of more renewable power sources like solar and wind. This smoother integration reduces the need for load-balancing services and rapid ramping of generation resources, making the grid more efficient.
No Emissions,
No Pollution & Smaller Size compared to other utility-scale power generation system footprints.
By safely capturing and storing electricity at off-peak hours and releasing the stored energy back onto the grid during peak hours, we can be sure that homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, and more have the power they need when they need it most.
Major Types
of Battery Chemistrys
There are two main types of energy storage batteries used in BESS units, both offering specific use cases and advantages.
NMC
nickel manganese cobalt
NMC batteries use a mixture of nickel, manganese, and cobalt to create powerful batteries that are highly effective for smaller sized facilities.
KEY BENEFITS
-
higher energy density (store more energy in a smaller space)
-
high power output
-
long life cycle
LFP
lithium iron phosphate
LFP technology is cheaper and more resilient than traditional lithium-ion batteries, offering significant benefits for both storage and reducing supply chain dependence.
KEY BENEFITS:
-
longer life cycle
-
highly compatible with solar panel systems
-
uses environmentally sustainable chemicals
Modern
& Safe
Battery energy storage has been a reliable solution for our energy needs across the United States for decades. As our energy demand continues to grow, this innovative technology is being increasingly deployed nationwide, becoming ever more crucial in powering our daily lives.
Fire-related incidents at BESS facilities are exceedingly rare. Although any potential fire risk is a valid concern, there has never been an incident at a battery energy storage facility that has spread beyond the secure confines of the site. Historical air and water quality monitoring and testing during and after fires at these facilities have consistently shown no risk to public health, neighboring properties, or the surrounding community.
Modern & Safe
Safety is a cornerstone of our entire electric system, including BESS facilities. From the initial site design to the specially engineered battery containers, these projects are inherently built to operate safely and reliably on the grid:
Enhanced Safety Measures
Today’s battery systems are built for safety. Modern BESS include advanced thermal controls, smart fault detection, and fire-resistant enclosures.
Top Of The Line, Certified Equipment
Modern BESS use rigorously tested, certified components. UL 1973 ensures battery cell safety, while UL 9540 certifies full system enclosures—meeting the highest standards for fire, electrical, and functional safety.
Global Safety Standards
Established in 2020, NFPA 855 sets the global benchmark for safe BESS installation—regularly updated to reflect the latest tech, research, and real-world lessons.
Constant Monitoring & Security
BESS sites are protected 24/7 with trained monitoring, fencing, and layered alarms. Local fire crews receive hands-on training before launch—and every year after—to ensure rapid, safe response.
LOCATION
NFPA 855 has a broad scope that includes stipulations for where energy systems are safe to be deployed--including the creation of setbacks and enforcement of their limits.
FIRE SUPPRESION & AIRBORNE EMISSIONS
Many documented BESS fires involved early generation systems that predate modern safety standards. The implementation of robust national codes and advancements in ESS design have significantly improved fire safety and reduced risks.
Otherwise, airborne emissions are temporary and local to the areas in which they occur. The updated NFPA 855 regulations and existing firefighting strategies greatly diminish the impacts of potential environmental harm.
SIZE & SEPARATION OF ESS INSTALLATIONS
NFPA 855 specifies mandatory requirements for the design, installation, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning of battery energy storage facilities.
All facilities are safeguarded by regular inspections, hazard mitigation analysis, consideration and use of fire barriers to meet large scale fire testing requirements, and dedicated emergency response plans for each facility.
Key Facts
About
NFPA 855
While BESS fire incidents have raised safety concerns, it is important to contextualize these events within the broader landscape of industrial and energy-related hazards. Many documented BESS fires involved early-generation systems that predate modern safety standards. The implementation of robust national codes and advancements in ESS design have significantly improved fire safety and reduced risks.
Key
Facts About
NFPA 855
Reports
Reports
Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
A BESS facility typically consists of large, modular units that resemble shipping containers. The project site is enclosed by fencing and equipped with security measures like surveillance cameras and lighting to ensure safety. Additionally, robust landscape screening is often employed to minimize visibility and beautify the surrounding area.
Each energy storage system consists of batteries to store energy, inverters to convert energy between AC and DC, transformers to adjust voltage levels, and control systems to manage operations and ensure safety. These components are enclosed in weather-proof metal containers on concrete or steel foundations, working together as a unified system.
During operations, BESS facilities generate very little traffic, often resulting in fewer daily trips than a single-family home. These facilities are typically located in suburban and rural areas, with setback distances customized to meet specific site requirements.
Compared to other energy sources, BESS facilities are ideal neighbors. They offer communities safe, clean, efficient, and affordable energy solutions while maintaining a low profile. These systems produce minimal noise and have a negligible visual impact, occupying a much smaller footprint than other power generation methods.
BESS projects help stabilize the power grid, reducing the risk of outages and ensuring a reliable energy supply. They also provide significant economic benefits by generating tax revenue that supports community investments and by creating local construction jobs that boost employment.
Modern BESS facilities prioritize safety. They adhere to all national and local codes and standards, including NFPA 855 and UL 9540, ensuring that installations comply with stringent building, fire, and zoning regulations.
Each project is equipped with an emergency response plan, developed in collaboration with local fire officials and independent safety experts. This plan includes comprehensive measures to prevent fires, manage any that occur, protect lives and property, and swiftly address any issues. Additionally, these systems are designed with redundant, fail-safe mechanical components and are monitored around the clock by a remote operations center, ensuring continuous oversight and rapid response.
Fire-related incidents at BESS facilities are exceedingly rare. There has never been an incident at a battery energy storage facility that has spread beyond the secure confines of the site. Historical air and water quality monitoring and testing during and after any fires have consistently shown no risk to public health, neighboring properties, or the surrounding community.
Modern battery systems are designed to handle even the rarest incidents, such fire, in a controlled manner to prioritize public health and safety. They achieve this by:
Containing Thermal Events
Battery enclosures undergo rigorous testing (e.g., UL 9540A fire tests) and include cooling and gas detection systems to stop fires from spreading.
Stable Battery Chemistry
Newer battery chemistries, such as Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP), offer enhanced safety features. They have higher thermal thresholds, which protect against overheating and less reactive chemistry compared to older types like Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC), both of which significantly reduces the risk of catching fire, even under harsh conditions.
Preventing Pressure Build-Up
Special venting systems safely release gases to prevent dangerous pressure accumulation.
24/7 Monitoring & Emergency Coordination
Continuous remote monitoring detects early warning signs, such as heat build-up or gas release, enabling operators to intervene promptly. Local fire departments are also trained in emergency response procedures specific to these systems.
Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) is a type of lithium-ion battery renowned for its superior safety and reliability. Its chemical composition offers greater stability, significantly reducing the likelihood of overheating and minimizing the risk of hazardous reactions. This robust chemistry also extends the battery's lifespan, making LFP a favored and secure option for energy storage applications.
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