Building Safer Energy Systems: A Deep Dive Into the EASE Battery Energy Storage System Safety Guidelines

The European Association for Storage of Energy (EASE) is glad to invite you to a webinar presenting the main takeaways from its recently published “Guidelines on Safety Best Practices for Battery Energy Storage Systems”. Developed by the EASE Task Force on Safety, the guideline addresses best practices for improving safety in outdoor, utility-scale lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) installations. The session will feature contributions from industry experts, covering practical approaches to product, site, and personnel safety. It will also examine how these practices align with current regulatory and standardisation efforts. The webinar offers a chance to engage with the latest thinking on BESS safety and learn how to apply these insights to real-world projects.

Register here!

Agenda

10:00 Introduction on Key Facts and Figures Related to BESS Safety

10:05 Overview of the Battery Energy Storage System Safety Guidelines

10:15 Presentations on Product Safety

10:25 Presentations on Site Safety

10:35 Presentation on Personnel Safety

10:45 Q&A Session

Guest Speakers:

Harshal Upadhye is a Technical Executive at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and is based out of Dubai Office. As a part of EPRI’s Energy Storage team he is focused on helping utilities in region adopt BESS technology.  Mr. Upadhye has 20+ years industry experience of which 10+ years have been at EPRI in various roles. Prior to EPRI, Mr. Upadhye has experience in mechanical and electrical equipment design and manufacturing and a stint at an EPC firm. He has a master’s degree in mechanical engineering.

Ralf Schimanek is the Global Compliance Specialist at Fluence. Fluence is a global market leader delivering intelligent energy storage and optimisation software for renewables and storage. 

Coralie Lecoq is DNV Principal Consultant and Team leader of DNV Safety advisory team in Southern Europe. 15 years of experience in technical safety for various kinds of energy production assets including batteries. Graduated as process engineer from French engineering school “Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Industries Chimiques” (ENSIC). Specialized in risk assessment techniques and modelling of hazardous events (fires, explosions, gas dispersions….).

Tiago Sousa is an accomplished Chemical Engineer with 10+ years of experience in electrochemical systems, fluid dynamics, and advanced multiphysics simulations. Holds a PhD in Fuel Cell Modelling and Simulation, with specialized expertise in hydrogen technologies and energy conversion systems. Recognized expert in safety engineering for Li-ion energy storage systems and electric vehicle platforms (BEV/PHEV), with a strong command of CFD, FEA, and thermal-fluid modeling. Currently serving as ESS Product Safety Manager at Saft (TotalEnergies), leading safety strategy, regulatory compliance, and supplier qualification for complex energy storage solutions. Demonstrated success in developing and validating safety requirements, including fire suppression, gas dispersion, and thermal propagation mitigation. Cross-sector experience spanning automotive, energy, and process industries, with a strong focus on innovation, risk management, and system optimization. Active contributor to international safety standards (IEC, UL, NFPA) and a skilled technical trainer for both internal teams and external stakeholders.