MEETING DATE:
MARCH 11, 2025
SUBJECT:
Title
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-9415 - GUIDELINES FOR ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS POLICY AND PROCEDURES
Body
Recommendation
Recommendation
ADOPT a resolution approving updated Energy Storage Systems Policy and Procedures.
Body
Board or Commission Action
Not Applicable
Relevant Council Strategic Theme
Good Governance
Executive Summary
The City of San Marcos Fire Department has established Protection Guidelines for Lithium-Ion Energy Storage Systems (ESS) exceeding 600 kWh to ensure safety, compliance, and emergency preparedness. These guidelines align with NFPA 855 (2023) and the California Fire Code (CFC) and apply to both new and existing installations.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) pose significant safety and operational risks, primarily due to thermal runaway, fire hazards, and explosion risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. Thermal runaway can lead to uncontrollable fires, toxic gas emissions, and potential explosions, making firefighter safety, fire suppression and explosion control critical.
Discussion
Regulatory and environmental challenges complicate BESS deployment, as evolving technology often outpaces standardized safety codes, leading to inconsistencies in protection measures. Concerns over chemical leaks, groundwater contamination, and battery disposal further highlight the need for stricter regulations and improved safety protocols. Addressing these risks through enhanced fire suppression, battery management systems, and emergency preparedness is essential for ensuring the safe and sustainable integration of BESS into the power grid.
BESS present significant safety and operational challenges, primarily due to the risk of thermal runaway, fire, and explosion hazards associated with lithium-ion batteries. Thermal runaway occurs when a battery cell overheats, leading to a chain reaction that can cause uncontrollable fires and toxic gas emissions. Unlike traditional fires, lithium-ion battery fires are difficult to extinguish and can reignite even after initial suppression. Additionally, the release of flammable and toxic gases during thermal runaway poses a severe explosion risk, particularly in enclosed spaces, making proper fire suppression, ventilation, and explosion control systems critical for BESS facilities.
Beyond fire and explosion risks, BESS also presents regulatory, environmental, and logistical challenges. The complex permitting and compliance requirements necessitate thorough hazard mitigation analyses, site-specific safety plans, and emergency response preparedness. The environmental impact of lithium-ion batteries, including potential groundwater contamination from chemical leaks and the challenges of battery disposal and recycling, further complicates their long-term sustainability. As BESS technology evolves, addressing these risks through enhanced fire safety standards, improved battery management systems, and stricter regulatory oversight is essential to ensuring the safe integration of energy storage into the power grid.
As BESS technology continues to evolve, the City of San Marcos Fire Department has established comprehensive protection guidelines for lithium-ion BESS facilities. These guidelines will be regularly updated to reflect advancements in technology and industry standards, ensuring alignment with code requirements and enhancing compliance early in the permitting process.
Environmental Review
This action does not constitute a “project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, Sections 15000 - 15387), and is therefore not subject to environmental review pursuant to Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3).
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact identified.
Attachment(s)
Resolution 2025-XXX
BESS Policy and Procedures (Guidelines)
Prepared by: Jason Nailon, Division Chief/Fire Marshal
Submitted by: Heather Todd, Fire/EMS Administrative Services Manager
Reviewed by: Dan Barron, Fire Chief
Approved by: Michelle Bender, City Manager