Current status: Answered by Siobhian Brown on 21 March 2025
To ask the Scottish Government whether it has consulted with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service over any fire safety risks posed by battery energy storage systems.
The Scottish Government regularly discusses a wide range of fire safety topics with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) including battery energy storage systems (BESS). A dedicated working group within SFRS continues to monitor the number of BESS applications and their development, alongside the Service’s role in the planning, consultation, and progression of these sites.
A strong focus on prevention and the adherence to industry safety standards is essential for managing risks. It is the duty of the site operator to responsibly plan and monitor any risks at their site. SFRS will continue to work in partnership and provide support to those dutyholders with advice where required in line with the guidance from the National Fire Chief Council on Grid Scale Planning Guidance for Fire and Rescue Services which covers the UK. These guidelines detail, amongst other things, minimum standards with fire safety systems and design features, water requirements for firefighting and access requirements.