Dr Amer Magrabi, Chris Koch, Yamin Ahmed & Jack Tetley
The transition to a net-zero economy is driving unprecedented deployment of lithium-ion battery technologies across both stationary energy storage and electrified transport sectors. While these technologies play a critical role in enabling decarbonisation, they also introduce complex chemical, process safety, fire protection and emergency management challenges that require robust risk-based approaches.
This presentation examines the chemical and fire safety hazards associated with large-scale Lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage Systems(BESS), focusing on thermal runaway, fire propagation, explosion overpressure, toxic gas generation, emergency response, and the evolving regulatory landscape. Two practical case studies will be discussed involving Grid Scale Battery Energy Storage Systems(BESS)and an Electric Vehicle (EV)Bus Depot. The presentation will aim to demonstrate how Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) principles can be applied to support innovation while maintaining safe and sustainable fire safety outcomes.
Dr Amer Magrabiis Director–Fire & Risk Engineering at Lote Consulting in Sydney, NSW. He isa NER Chartered Fire Safety Engineer(CPEng), Fellow of Engineers Australia(FIEAust) with over25years’experience across the Asia-Pacific. Amer is the founding partner of Lote Consulting (established in 2013), leading multidisciplinary teams that deliver fire code compliance, fire testing, security, and risk management services. His role as a Registered Fire Safety Engineer in WA and other Australian jurisdictions involves the application of Performance-based Fire Safety Engineering to emerging fire hazards such as Lithium-Ion Batteries in the renewable energy sector. A key component being translating Australian and International fire safety best practice into defensible fire safety strategies, Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA), HIPAP 2Fire Safety Studies and Fire Risk Assessments, to meet applicable fire safety regulations and fire brigade guidelines