Checklist

Fire protection in a new-build BESS: planning checklist from concept design to tender

This checklist sets out the fire protection decisions for a new battery energy storage system in twelve steps — from site selection and cell chemistry through to a tender-ready performance specification. You can see which document has to be available at which point.

6 min.Last updated: 2026-08-24

Checklist

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Anton Brem

Managing Director

Refractory construction, high-temperature insulation and fire protection in industrial plants

Sources & standards

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Fire protection in a new-build BESS: planning checklist from concept design to tender

Checklist

Assess the site and its surroundings from a fire protection perspective

Determine the permitting route and the responsible authorities early

Fix cell chemistry, capacity and system hierarchy as the planning basis

Request UL 9540A test reports and check their transferability

Set up a hazard analysis and derive the protection objectives from it

Choose the level of separation: cell, module, rack, unit or building

Incorporate the property insurer's requirements

Coordinate gas routing, venting and deflagration protection with the barrier

Anticipate penetrations and containment routes at design stage

Secure the proofs of fitness for use for the planned construction types

Plan for maintainability, access and eventual removal

Tender the performance specification, evidence obligations and acceptance regime

Sources & standards

Related guides

NFPA 855 and Separation Distances: What Siting Design Means for Fire Compartments

Permitting and Building Law for Battery Storage in Germany: Where Fire Protection Enters the Procedure

Gas Venting and Deflagration Protection: NFPA 68/69 and the Consequences for the Lining

Planning a project?