Safety of alternative and renewable energy technologies

Photo: Fire & Rescue NSW

Research theme

Project type

Core research

Project status

Proposed

This project aims to investigate the risks related to fire propagation within and between stationary energy storage systems due to external factors (such as fire impingement, temperature extremes, impact/shock and vibrations, and water ingress/flooding) not considered in current standards. This will be achieved by conducting a series of comprehensive real fire tests at Fire and Rescue NSW’s Fire Research and Testing Facility in New South Wales.

Project details

There is growing demand for the use of alternative and renewable technologies to combat climate change, combined with a growing reliance on alternative energy sources during extreme weather and climatic events.

While there is a large volume of research being conducted world-wide to better understand the failure mechanisms of lithium ion batteries and improve the technology, there is very little public information available to regulatory bodies and responding organisations on how best to mitigate the hazards when they do fail.

This project will benefit FRNSW and stakeholders by contributing to knowledge and preparedness, which will aid in the prevention of injuries and harm to firefighters, occupants, users and the general public, minimising damage to buildings and infrastructure, and minimising harm to the environment.

Participating organisations