In September 2020, a major fire and explosion occurred at an Orsted Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility in Liverpool, raising serious questions about the risks associated with large-scale battery storage developments.
The incident began when a lithium-ion battery container suffered a catastrophic failure, leading to an explosion and a prolonged fire. Firefighters battled the blaze for almost 59 hours, requiring a major emergency response to bring the incident under control.
According to the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service investigation, debris was projected up to 22 metres from the battery unit during the explosion. Large quantities of water were needed to cool the batteries and prevent the fire from spreading, while a significant smoke plume was generated during the incident.
The report identified “thermal runaway” as the likely cause of the fire — a chain reaction within lithium-ion batteries that can rapidly escalate and prove extremely difficult to extinguish once established.
As proposals emerge for ever larger Battery Energy Storage Systems across the UK, the Liverpool incident provides a stark reminder of the potential safety and environmental risks that must be carefully considered. Local communities have a right to ask what lessons have been learned, how risks will be managed, and whether such facilities are appropriate in sensitive locations.
We encourage residents to read the full Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service report and consider its findings when assessing proposals for similar developments in our area.
