Battery Storage Safety in 2026: What New Reliability Data Reveals

EPRI‘s 98% BESS Failure-Rate Decline, Thermal Runaway Risks, Fire Protection, Remote Video Monitoring, and the Growing Importance of Energy Storage Site Security

Energy Storage Industry Insights | November 2026 | SNOSECURE

Battery storage is becoming more reliable. But does that mean energy storage facilities no longer need to worry about safety?

Not quite.

A new analysis from the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) reveals a significant improvement in lithium-ion battery energy storage system reliability.

According to EPRI‘s October 2026 research, the global annual rate of reported BESS failures per deployed gigawatt-hour (GWh) declined by approximately 98% between 2018 and 2025.

Even more interesting?

The same metric declined by approximately 50% from 2024 to 2025.

These are encouraging findings for renewable energy developers, BESS investors, EPC contractors, utility operators, and energy infrastructure companies.

The results suggest that improvements in manufacturing, system engineering, installation practices, and safety standards are producing measurable benefits.

However, the statistic requires careful interpretation.

A 98% decline in the reported failure rate does not mean battery storage systems are now risk-free.

Thermal runaway, equipment damage, electrical failures, and emergency response requirements remain important.

And as battery energy storage facilities expand, another practical question deserves attention:

How should operators combine specialized battery safety systems with physical security, remote surveillance, and operational monitoring?

Let’s examine what the latest reliability data actually means—and how energy project developers can make better decisions.

1. What Does EPRI’s 2026 Battery Storage Safety Research Reveal?

On October 5, 2026, EPRI released its report, Risk Factors and Failure Statistics of Lithium-Ion BESS.

Utility Dive reported the findings on October 13.

The research analyzes historical failure incidents involving lithium-ion battery energy storage systems.

Its headline finding is significant:

Reported annual BESS failures per deployed GWh declined by approximately 98% from 2018 to 2025.

That improvement occurred during a period of rapid global battery storage deployment.

What does “failure rate per GWh” mean?

A gigawatt-hour represents a quantity of stored electrical energy.

The metric compares the annual number of qualifying reported failure incidents with the amount of installed battery storage capacity.

This matters because looking only at the number of accidents can be misleading.

Imagine the global BESS fleet grows dramatically while the number of reported incidents remains relatively stable.

The failure rate per unit of deployed capacity would decline, even though the absolute number of incidents might not decline by the same percentage.

That’s why normalized failure statistics help researchers evaluate industry trends.

What counts as a failure?

EPRI‘s analysis focuses on significant battery-system failure incidents that involve safety hazards such as fire, explosion, or arc flash caused by internal system problems.

It does not measure every possible equipment fault.

For example, an NVR losing connectivity, a camera requiring maintenance, or a minor nonhazardous battery performance issue would not automatically qualify as one of these reported BESS failure incidents.

What else did the research find?

EPRI‘s analysis found that more recent BESS installations generally demonstrate better safety performance than early-generation projects.

This reflects lessons learned from earlier incidents and improvements in system design.

However, older battery systems may require additional inspections, risk assessments, and potentially equipment upgrades.

The central message is clear: Battery storage safety has improved substantially, but good engineering and active risk management remain essential.

2. Why Have BESS Failure Rates Declined?

The industry has made important progress in several areas.

Better battery and equipment design

Modern energy storage systems benefit from improvements in battery integration, enclosure engineering, electrical protection, and thermal management.

These features can help reduce the likelihood of certain failures and limit their consequences.

Improved battery management systems

A battery management system, or BMS, monitors and controls important battery operating parameters.

Depending on its design, a BMS may monitor:

• Cell or module voltage.
• Battery temperature.
• Charging and discharging conditions.
• State of charge.
• Current and protection limits.
• Abnormal operating conditions.

These functions help maintain batteries within their intended operating limits.

However, a BMS is not a universal guarantee against every cell defect or thermal runaway event.

Stronger installation and commissioning practices

The safety of a battery facility depends on more than battery chemistry.

Poor wiring, incompatible equipment, incorrect assembly, inadequate cooling, and commissioning problems can create hazards.

Improved quality control and system integration practices are therefore important.

More mature safety standards

Energy storage codes and test methods have evolved as researchers, manufacturers, and emergency responders have learned from real-world incidents.

These developments can improve site design, risk assessment, separation requirements, fire protection planning, and emergency response.

Greater operating experience

Modern projects benefit from years of accumulated operational knowledge.

Operators have more information about battery behavior, maintenance needs, aging, failure mechanisms, and emergency procedures.

For BESS developers, the implication is practical:

Safety should be built into equipment selection, installation, commissioning, and long-term operation—not added after construction.

3. Thermal Runaway: Understanding the Remaining Battery Safety Risk

One of the most important hazards associated with lithium-ion battery storage is thermal runaway.

Thermal runaway occurs when a battery cell undergoes uncontrolled self-heating.

Under certain conditions, the resulting heat and internal reactions can accelerate and cause the release of flammable gases.

Depending on the battery design, enclosure conditions, ignition sources, and protective measures, a failure may lead to fire or other hazardous outcomes.

What can contribute to thermal runaway?

Potential initiating factors can include:

Internal cell defects

Manufacturing defects or internal damage may contribute to abnormal cell behavior.

Electrical abuse

Overcharging, short circuits, or other electrical faults can create unsafe conditions.

Thermal abuse

Exposure to excessive temperatures can damage cells or increase the risk of dangerous reactions.

Mechanical damage

Physical impacts or deformation may compromise battery integrity.

Integration or operating problems

Incorrect installation, cooling deficiencies, or operation outside approved limits can also contribute to safety risks.

Why is propagation important?

A problem beginning in one cell can potentially affect nearby cells or modules.

If heat and hazardous gases are not properly managed, the consequences may extend beyond the original failure location.

This is why professional BESS engineering considers the possibility of thermal runaway propagation.

Relevant controls may include suitable battery design, protective barriers, ventilation, gas management, and engineered fire-protection measures.

Can CCTV detect thermal runaway?

Ordinary CCTV should not be relied upon as a thermal runaway detection system.

A conventional video camera may record visible smoke, flames, damaged equipment, or other observable changes.

But those visual signs can occur after dangerous internal battery conditions have already developed.

A standard surveillance camera cannot reliably measure internal cell temperature, detect accumulating flammable gases, or assess battery electrochemical conditions.

Even a thermal imaging camera should not automatically be represented as a certified battery safety detector.

Its suitability depends on the sensor, installation, validated detection system, environmental conditions, and applicable engineering requirements.

For BESS developers, understanding these limitations is essential.

4. What Do NFPA 855 and UL 9540A Mean for BESS Safety?

Battery storage safety involves specialized engineering standards and regulatory requirements.

Two important references are NFPA 855 and UL 9540A.

NFPA 855

NFPA 855 is the Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems.

Its 2026 edition addresses safety considerations for energy storage installations, including fire and explosion hazards, equipment arrangements, and emergency response planning.

Actual project requirements depend on applicable local codes, the authority having jurisdiction, battery technology, installation configuration, and other factors.

UL 9540A

UL 9540A is a test method for evaluating thermal runaway fire propagation in battery energy storage systems.

It helps characterize battery behavior under specified failure conditions and provides information useful for safety engineering and regulatory review.

Testing can examine characteristics such as heat release, gas generation, fire propagation, and the consequences of thermal runaway at relevant system levels.

Why are these standards important?

A BESS facility may need specialized engineering measures involving:

• Battery safety monitoring.
• Appropriate fire detection.
• Flammable gas detection.
• Explosion-risk mitigation.
• Ventilation or exhaust arrangements.
• Fire protection and propagation prevention.
• Separation distances and equipment layout.
• Emergency response planning.

Not every installation requires an identical set of equipment.

Requirements must be determined through applicable standards, engineering analysis, and project approvals.

Where does CCTV fit?

Security cameras can support observation and incident documentation.

However:

A camera with motion detection is not the same as a listed or approved fire detection system.

A video recording showing smoke is not equivalent to a battery safety alarm generated by an appropriately engineered protection system.

And an AI camera identifying a person near a battery container is not performing battery thermal runaway prediction.

The two systems have different responsibilities.

BESS fire safety is an engineered life-safety function. CCTV is primarily a physical security and video-observation function.

5. Battery Safety vs Site Security: What Is the Difference?

The terms “safety” and “security” are sometimes used interchangeably.

But for battery energy storage facilities, they involve different risks and technical responsibilities.

Battery safety

Battery safety focuses on hazards arising from battery cells, electrical systems, and supporting equipment.

Relevant functions can include:

• Monitoring battery operating conditions.
• Managing thermal and electrical limits.
• Detecting specified hazardous conditions.
• Limiting fire propagation.
• Supporting appropriate emergency response.

Physical site security

Physical security focuses on controlling and monitoring access to the facility.

Relevant risks may include:

• Unauthorized entry.
• Equipment theft.
• Vandalism.
• Unapproved vehicle access.
• Damage to external electrical infrastructure.
• Security incidents involving contractors or visitors.

Remote video monitoring

Video surveillance can support physical security by providing authorized operators with visibility into selected locations.

Potential functions include:

• Access-gate observation.
• Perimeter monitoring.
• Vehicle activity documentation.
• Recorded incident review.
• Remote visual checks.
• Supplementary monitoring of equipment yards.

But video monitoring should not be presented as a replacement for specialized battery safety instrumentation.

Comparison: CCTV vs professional BESS safety systems

For professional project design, these systems should complement one another without confusing their responsibilities.

6. Why Older Battery Storage Facilities Deserve Attention

EPRI’s research also points to an important challenge.

Early-generation BESS facilities may not reflect the latest engineering practices and safety requirements.

Older systems can have different equipment designs, enclosure arrangements, detection capabilities, and commissioning histories.

For owners and operators, this creates a need to review existing installations rather than assume they have the same risk profile as newly commissioned facilities.

What should be reviewed?

Battery equipment condition

Assess the state of battery modules, protective devices, and supporting electrical systems.

Thermal management

Evaluate whether cooling and ventilation equipment is operating as intended.

Fire and gas protection

Review relevant detection, ventilation, fire protection, and explosion mitigation measures.

System layout

Consider whether equipment spacing and compartment arrangements remain appropriate.

Maintenance records

Identify recurring faults, abnormal temperatures, component replacements, and previous incidents.

Emergency procedures

Verify that site personnel and emergency responders have suitable plans and information.

Why is the Moss Landing incident relevant?

The January 2025 fire at the Moss Landing energy storage facility in California highlighted the potential consequences of a serious battery incident.

The facility’s unusual indoor configuration raised concerns about fire propagation and the challenges of large-scale battery installations.

The lesson is not that all BESS projects have the same risk.

It is that installation design and incident containment can materially influence the outcome of a failure.

For existing projects, reviews and appropriate upgrades may help address known vulnerabilities.

Any modifications to battery enclosures or safety systems should be evaluated by qualified engineers and coordinated with equipment manufacturers and relevant authorities.

7. Why BESS Perimeter Security Matters

As energy storage deployment grows, physical security is becoming an important part of site planning.

A utility-scale BESS facility may contain:

• Battery containers or cabinets.
• Power conversion systems.
• Transformers.
• Switchgear.
• Electrical cables.
• Communications equipment.
• Control systems.
• Auxiliary power infrastructure.

Many installations occupy large outdoor areas.

Some operate with limited permanent on-site personnel.

For EPC contractors and site operators, this creates practical monitoring requirements.

Access gates

Vehicle and pedestrian access points may need observation and controlled entry arrangements.

Perimeter fencing

Cameras can help observe selected fence lines, boundary areas, and potential intrusion locations.

Equipment yards

Security monitoring may support the protection of transformers, switchgear, cables, and stored equipment.

Construction sites

During construction, expensive materials may arrive before permanent infrastructure is ready.

Remote locations

Sites without permanent staffing may benefit from suitable remote video access and incident recording.

A properly designed surveillance system can support these applications.

But camera placement, lighting, recording retention, communications, and security procedures should be selected according to the site’s actual risk assessment.

A battery facility may have excellent fire protection and still require appropriate perimeter security.

The two functions address different operational risks.

8. Where Remote Video Surveillance Can Help BESS Operators

Remote monitoring can support site security where operational staff cannot physically observe every location.

Depending on project requirements, a surveillance architecture may include:

Fixed outdoor CCTV cameras

Fixed cameras provide monitoring of selected equipment areas, entrances, and boundaries.

PTZ surveillance cameras

Pan-tilt-zoom cameras can help authorized operators inspect broader site areas from appropriate mounting locations.

Network video recorders

NVR systems can support video recording, retention, and incident review where compatible with the camera architecture.

Remote communications

Wired Ethernet, fiber networks, private communications, or suitable cellular links may provide connectivity.

Video analytics

Depending on the system, human detection, vehicle detection, or intrusion analytics may help security teams review events.

However, video analytics must be configured and validated to avoid unacceptable false alarms or missed detections.

Cybersecurity is essential

BESS facilities form part of critical energy infrastructure.

Surveillance systems should not introduce unnecessary cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

Professional buyers should evaluate:

• Authentication and account management.
• Firmware maintenance.
• Secure remote connectivity.
• Network segmentation.
• Access permissions.
• Recording and data protection.
• Vendor support.
• Integration requirements.

For critical infrastructure, remote cameras should normally be treated as managed security devices rather than unmanaged consumer gadgets.

9. Can Solar-Powered 4G Cameras Support BESS Site Surveillance?

For certain applications, yes.

Solar-powered 4G surveillance cameras can provide flexible installation options when fixed electrical power or broadband connections are unavailable.

This may be useful during construction or at selected remote monitoring points.

Application 1: Temporary construction security

Before a BESS project becomes operational, permanent power and network infrastructure may still be under construction.

Solar 4G cameras may help monitor:

• Temporary entrances.
• Material storage areas.
• Equipment yards.
• Construction access routes.
• Selected perimeter locations.

Application 2: Remote access monitoring

Some BESS and solar-plus-storage projects have isolated entrances or peripheral areas.

Where cellular coverage and solar conditions are suitable, wireless cameras may provide supplementary monitoring.

Application 3: Equipment storage protection

Temporary equipment storage compounds may benefit from video recording and authorized remote access.

Application 4: Supplementary site coverage

At operating facilities, wireless cameras may help cover selected locations where extending permanent cabling is impractical.

However, they should not automatically replace dedicated enterprise CCTV networks when continuous recording, guaranteed availability, or specific security integration is required.

What should B2B buyers verify?

Power management

Can the camera’s solar panel and battery support the actual monitoring workload and seasonal conditions?

Recording architecture

Does the camera provide PIR event recording, AOV time-lapse, or another mode appropriate for the application?

Network connectivity

Are 4G bands, data plans, antenna conditions, and signal coverage suitable?

Outdoor reliability

Can the camera operate within the environmental conditions expected at the site?

Cybersecurity

Can the device meet the operator’s secure access and network requirements?

Product support

Can the manufacturer provide specifications, firmware support, replacement parts, and clear maintenance information?

For BESS projects, these questions are more valuable than selecting equipment solely by megapixel count or advertised battery life.

Solar 4G surveillance can support remote physical security, but it is not a professional battery fire detection or thermal runaway monitoring system.

10. BESS Surveillance Design: What Should EPC Contractors and Integrators Consider?

Before purchasing surveillance equipment, professional buyers should define the monitoring objectives.

Define critical monitoring areas

Identify entrances, perimeter boundaries, equipment storage locations, and other security-sensitive areas.

Decide the recording architecture

Determine whether the project needs continuous recording, event-based recording, or a combination.

Evaluate power availability

Assess permanent power, temporary connections, solar-powered options, and backup arrangements.

Review communication requirements

Confirm available fiber, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or cellular infrastructure.

Evaluate environmental conditions

Review expected temperature, rainfall, dust, wind, solar availability, and mounting conditions.

Address cybersecurity

Ensure that surveillance equipment can be managed under the project’s IT and operational security policies.

Confirm system responsibilities

Clarify which systems are responsible for security alerts and which are responsible for battery safety alarms.

Validate integration

Check compatibility with the selected NVR, VMS, access control, and incident management platforms.

Plan maintenance

Define cleaning, inspection, firmware updates, battery replacements, and spare-parts responsibilities.

Evaluate supplier capabilities

Select vendors that can provide adequate technical documentation, product support, warranty terms, and supply continuity.

For energy EPC contractors and security integrators, this structured approach reduces the risk of purchasing equipment that does not match the project’s operating requirements.

11. What the 2026 Safety Data Means for the Energy Storage Industry

EPRI’s latest reliability findings are encouraging.

The 98% reduction in the reported failure rate per deployed GWh demonstrates how substantially industry performance has improved.

But the result should not lead developers to reduce attention to safety.

Instead, it reinforces the importance of continuing the practices that helped improve reliability.

These include:

• Better manufacturing and system design.
• Careful equipment integration.
• Appropriate safety testing.
• Sound commissioning procedures.
• Ongoing inspection and maintenance.
• Professional emergency response planning.
• Continuous operational learning.

At the same time, growth in the installed BESS fleet creates more physical infrastructure requiring monitoring, maintenance, and security management.

This creates opportunities for electrical engineering companies, BESS integrators, specialist fire-safety suppliers, and industrial surveillance providers.

Each has a different role.

Battery safety technology protects against battery-related hazards. Physical security technology helps protect facilities and control access. Both matter, but neither should be confused with the other.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has battery storage become 98% safer in 2026?

EPRI reports that the annual rate of qualifying lithium-ion BESS failures per deployed GWh declined by approximately 98% between 2018 and 2025. This is a normalized historical failure-rate statistic, not a universal measurement of safety improvement for every installation.

What is the biggest safety risk associated with lithium-ion BESS?

Thermal runaway is an important hazard because it can involve rapid heat generation and the release of potentially flammable gases. Electrical faults, fire propagation, and explosion risks also require suitable engineering controls.

Can CCTV cameras detect battery thermal runaway?

Ordinary CCTV cameras are not designed to detect internal battery thermal runaway. They may document visible events, but specialized battery monitoring and safety systems are required for appropriate hazard detection and response.

Can thermal imaging cameras replace battery gas detectors?

Not automatically. Thermal imaging and gas detection measure different conditions. Thermal imaging also cannot directly observe every internal cell condition. Any safety-related use must be supported by appropriate design, validation, and regulatory assessment.

What is NFPA 855?

NFPA 855 is a standard addressing the installation and safety of stationary energy storage systems. Its requirements are applied according to the relevant project and jurisdiction.

What is UL 9540A?

UL 9540A is a test method used to evaluate thermal runaway fire propagation characteristics of battery energy storage systems.

Why do BESS facilities need security cameras?

Security cameras may support monitoring of entrances, perimeter areas, equipment yards, contractor activity, and other security-sensitive locations.

Can solar 4G cameras be used at battery storage sites?

Yes, for suitable temporary or supplementary surveillance applications. Their operating performance depends on solar availability, battery reserve, cellular coverage, system design, and security requirements.

Should permanent BESS sites use NVR camera systems?

Depending on the site’s security requirements, a permanent CCTV/NVR or VMS architecture may be appropriate for continuous recording, centralized administration, and security integration.

What should BESS developers ask security equipment suppliers?

Ask about recording modes, outdoor durability, network compatibility, cybersecurity, power requirements, technical documentation, warranty support, and integration capabilities.

Conclusion: Better Battery Reliability Does Not Eliminate the Need for Safety and Security

The October 2026 EPRI findings represent an encouraging milestone for the battery energy storage industry.

Reported annual lithium-ion BESS failures per deployed GWh declined approximately 98% from 2018 to 2025.

That reflects substantial progress in design, manufacturing, integration, and operational practices.

However, the industry must continue addressing thermal runaway, fire propagation, electrical hazards, and emergency response.

At the same time, growing energy storage deployment increases the need for appropriate physical site protection.

BESS developers and EPC contractors should approach these requirements as complementary responsibilities.

Specialized safety systems help manage battery-related hazards.

Security systems help monitor access, protect equipment, and support incident documentation.

Neither should be marketed as a substitute for the other.

For professional energy infrastructure projects, the strongest strategy is to combine reliable electrical engineering, appropriate safety systems, secure surveillance, and disciplined long-term maintenance.

The future of battery storage depends not only on better batteries, but also on better project engineering and responsible infrastructure management.

About SNOSECURE | Your OEM/ODM Surveillance Camera Manufacturing Partner

SNOSECURE is a B2B surveillance equipment manufacturer and wholesale supplier based in Shenzhen, China.

With 20 years of manufacturing experience, 6 production lines, and a 12,000m² manufacturing facility, SNOSECURE supports international security brands, electronics importers, distributors, retailers, solar project contractors, IT hardware resellers, and system integrators.

Our surveillance product portfolio includes:

• Solar-powered security cameras.
• 4G and Wi-Fi surveillance cameras.
• AOV solar cameras.
• Solar panels and solar routers.
• NVR security camera kits.
• Video doorbells.
• Baby monitors.
• Hunting cameras.

We support OEM/ODM customization, including product design, logo branding, color boxes, packaging, and application-specific configurations.

For BESS construction sites, remote solar installations, and selected industrial perimeter-monitoring applications, SNOSECURE‘s surveillance products may provide practical monitoring options when appropriately specified and integrated.

Our products are surveillance equipment—not certified BESS thermal runaway detection, battery fire suppression, or battery safety management systems.

We serve international markets including North America, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and other regions.

Looking for an OEM/ODM surveillance manufacturing partner for energy infrastructure or commercial security projects?

Contact SNOSECURE to discuss product specifications, sample testing, wholesale supply, customization, and suitable monitoring configurations.

SNOSECURE | Professional Surveillance Camera Manufacturer

Website: https://www.camhiprocam.com

Email: simple@camhiprocam.com

WhatsApp: +86-185-6568-6066

Contact: Simple Lee | Sales Director

Industry References

Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) — October 5, 2026

Risk Factors and Failure Statistics of Lithium-Ion BESS

https://www.epri.com/research/products/000000003002034920

Utility Dive — October 13, 2026

Battery System Failures Fell 98% in 7 Years, but Older Systems Need Special Care

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/battery-system-failures-fell-98-in-7-years-but-older-systems-need-special/832882/

Energy-Storage.news — October 8, 2026

Global BESS Failure Rates Declined 98% Between 2018 and 2025

https://www.energy-storage.news/global-bess-failure-rates-declined-98-between-2018-and-2025/

National Fire Protection Association

NFPA 855 — Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems, 2026 Edition

https://www.nfpa.org/product/nfpa-855-standard/p0855code

UL Solutions

UL 9540A Test Method for Battery Energy Storage Systems

https://www.ul.com/services/ul-9540a-test-method