CEA Issues Draft Safety Regulations for Battery Energy Storage Systems, Seeks Public Comments

Introduction

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA), operating under the Ministry of Power, Government of India, has proposed comprehensive safety regulations specifically addressing the deployment and operation of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) through the draft titled “Central Electricity Authority (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2025”.¹

Explanation (Key Points)

• The proposed regulations add “Chapter X-A,” which defines major safety principles like fault tolerance, fire suppression, emergency stopping, security, ventilation, and hazard detection. These acknowledge the special safety considerations of battery energy storage systems that warrant additional regulatory attention beyond the standard power system safety.
• BESS setups must be able to manage two faults reliably, without failing, for safety reasons. Battery chargers must be compatible with battery chemistry to provide optimal performance and prevent hazardous chemical reactions. All components must meet safety standards, which ensures technical integrity throughout the storage system.
• BMS specifications call for stringent monitoring of voltage, temperature, and current at cell and module levels. It should initiate alarms and shutdown if parameters cross safety limits, offering protection against thermal runaway, overcharge, and electrical faults causing fire or explosion.
• PCS specifications require automatic control, grid synchronization, and high levels of self-protection. They guarantee safe, reliable grid-interconnection with battery storage under faults and disturbances, ensuring system safety and grid stability.
• Infrastructure safety measures require water-based fire protection systems on BESS containers greater than 200 kWh because of the specific challenges posed by battery fires. These systems are effective at cooling and extinguishing lithium-ion system fires.
• Battery housings should be explosion-proof and vented to reduce hazards of gas buildup. Structural clearance from enclosures is established to avoid fire spread and emergency egress, for instance, large-scale fire testing in case distances is not achieved.
• Operational safety controls include facility requirements like adequate lighting, clearly labeled emergency exits, safety signs, and security features like fencing and CCTV. They are both for routine safety and for emergency response, enabling staff to operate BESS facilities safely.
• Environmental protection aspects include manual emergency stops, earthing circuits, and electrolyte spill containment for instant shutdown during emergency. These minimize chemical risks of battery electrolytes and electrical risks in high-voltage systems.
• Third-party regulation requires independent verification of safety through fire safety audits within three months of notice of regulation. Audit reports are presented to the Electrical Inspector, maintaining accountability above manufacturer self-certification.
• Training and capacity building requirements mandate that state governments ensure fire safety officers receive BESS-specific training, with guidelines to be issued by the Directorate General of Fire Safety (DGFS) within three months of notification. This provision addresses the specialized knowledge required for emergency response to battery storage incidents, ensuring that first responders have appropriate training and equipment to handle BESS-related emergencies safely and effectively.
• Regulation 137 also states that the CEA will provide a list of applicable standards for such amendments within a period of three months. It provides flexibility for the amendment of technical standards as technology for batteries changes while providing clarity in regulation.
• The public comment period elapses on July 20, 2025, and this provides stakeholders with about a month to consider the proposed safety regulations. The timeline is forthcoming enough to address the urgency of safety demands while remaining mindful of stakeholder consultation.

Conclusion

CEA’s proposed safety standards for Battery Energy Storage Systems are progressive in the context of addressing safety risks in India’s power sector. They cover BESS safety features, such as technical specifications, fire protection, and emergency planning. Compulsory audits, training, and specifications ensure a safety culture that safeguards workers and society. The comment period shows CEA’s willingness to involve stakeholders in developing these standards, ensuring industry knowledge and practical application while ensuring high standards of safety in this new field of India’s energy infrastructure.