In this edition of the Journal, we explore the battery revolution that is underway. Batteries do pose new and different fire risks for buildings and communities, and our industry must constantly adapt to meet these challenges.

Batteries are a cornerstone of clean energy innovation, enabling us to store electricity generated from renewable sources like solar, wind and hydro power. Since these sources can be intermittent—solar panels don’t generate power at night, and wind turbines rely on airflow—batteries provide a reliable way to store excess energy when production is high and release it when needed.

Canada is a global leader in renewable energy, with 70% of its electricity coming from renewable sources. Hydroelectric power is the dominant source, accounting for 62% of the country's electricity generation. Other renewable sources, such as wind and solar, are growing rapidly, contributing to Canada's clean energy mix. And building energy storage systems (BESS) are essential to store electrical energy.

Here’s how batteries contribute to the clean energy revolution:

• Grid Stabilization: Large-scale battery systems help balance supply and demand, preventing blackouts and ensuring a consistent energy flow.
• Electric Vehicles (EVs): Batteries power EVs, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and cutting carbon emissions.
• Decentralized Energy Systems: Homes and businesses can store excess energy in batteries, reducing reliance on traditional utilities and lowering costs.
• Peak Demand Management: Batteries help utilities store cheap energy during off-peak hours and deploy it when demand spikes, reducing the need for polluting power plants.

New developments in battery technology—including solid-state batteries, lithium-air cells, and improvements in recyclability—are making them more efficient and sustainable. In short, batteries are a game-changer for making clean energy more practical and accessible.

Battery technology is advancing rapidly to improve safety and reliability. Here are some key innovations:

• Solid-State Batteries: Unlike traditional lithium-ion batteries, solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte instead of a flammable liquid, significantly reducing fire risks and improving energy density.
• Lithium-Iron Phosphate (LFP) Batteries: These batteries are gaining popularity because they are more stable and durable than nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) lithium-ion batteries, making them safer for electric vehicles and energy storage.
• Advanced Battery Management Systems (BMS): AI-driven monitoring systems help detect potential failures early, preventing overheating and optimizing battery performance.
• Dry Battery Electrode Manufacturing: This method eliminates toxic solvents, reducing environmental impact while enhancing battery safety and longevity.
• Regulatory Improvements: Governments and industry leaders are updating safety codes, standards and regulations to address emerging battery technologies, ensuring safer production, transportation, and disposal.

These advancements are making batteries safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly. Fire protection and life safety systems are adapting to meet the needs of emerging energy storage technologies. Read more in Fire Chief and Code Consultant Mike O’Brian’s article in this edition, titled “The Battery Revolution”.