Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Information

May 30, 2025

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Now that Evolugen has formally submitted a request to City Council for a Municipal Support Resolution for the project, I wanted to share some of the information I have been sending out to residents over the past few months.  If you’re looking to better understand the project and the perspectives of all involved parties, I encourage you to review some of the information below.

After speaking to Ottawa Fire Chief Paul Hutt, he was also able to share some answers to some frequently asked questions in regards to the responsibilities of Ottawa Fire Services when it comes to BESS.

How will Ottawa Fire Services respond to a fire incident involving a BESS?  

Ottawa Fire Services (OFS) develops emergency response plans based upon the occupancy and hazards for the location and then develops standardized response codes that meet these needs.  OFS will ensure that fire protection systems are sufficient and meet applicable standards as well as determine the training requirements for all OFS members.   

Who sets the fire safety requirements for BESS?  

Fire prevention and safety is a key feature of lithium-ion batteries and their battery management system, which typically involves several layers of protection, including: 

  • Certification and Testing using UL 9540A – the test method for evaluating thermal runaway.
  • Installation to NFPA 855 – National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Code 855 is the Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage Systems. 
  • Monitoring and protection, through monitoring cell temperature, current and voltage and bringing mal-performing modules out of service until the route cause can be addressed. 

NFPA 855 is not the code in Canada; however, it is considered industry best practice and is generally followed, particularly regarding site layout and system integration. 

Is water to be used to respond to a fire incident involving a BESS? 

The current expectation is that water will be used in a limited capacity in the event of a fire, primarily to prevent the spread of fire to surrounding units or vegetation.  Water storage may be available on-site, and Ottawa Fire Services is Superior Tanker Shuttle certified to maintain continuous water delivery as needed.   

Will Ottawa Fire Services inspect and certify that BESS projects are safe before they are operational?  

OFS plays a role in ensuring the safety of BESS projects.  While the certification of the BESS unit itself is managed by external experts to ensure compliance with standards like NFPA 855, OFS’ focus is on providing specialized expertise in the firefighting capabilities, hazard mitigation and emergency response.  OFS participates in the overall design review, which includes evaluating site access, layout, firefighting requirements, and the emergency response plan.

OFS Emergency Response – BESS  

  • OFS first line of defense is prevention and this is no different when it comes to BESS.  The following considerations will be evaluated at the time of application; 
    • type of battery technology 
    • advanced heat monitoring and suppression systems 
    • site specific preplans and training  
    • emergency and fire safety plan approval
  • OFS have highly trained and skilled personnel with modern apparatus and equipment to respond to BESS emergencies
  • OFS has a robust water delivery system in non hydrant areas – Superior Tanker Shuttle and reliable rural water source program which may require on site water storage for firefighting purposes
  • OFS has Hazardous Material and Chemical Biological Radioactive Nuclear Explosive (CBRNE) response team
    • Initial response, assessment and mitigation of the incident, air monitoring, and initial environmental assessment   

 I will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.