CEA Drafts Safety Norms for Battery Storage Systems, Seeks Comments

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has issued a draft amendment to its safety regulations, introducing a dedicated framework for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) amid the growing role of energy storage in India’s transition to renewable energy.

Titled Central Electricity Authority (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2025, the draft has been released under Section 177 of the Electricity Act, 2003. Public comments are being invited until July 20, 2025.

According to the public notice, the draft regulations can be accessed on the CEA’s official website and will also be available for inspection at the CEA’s headquarters. Stakeholders, industry players, and members of the public have been urged to submit their suggestions either by post or via email to the Chief Engineer (Legal).

The proposed amendment introduces an entirely new chapter titled 'Additional Safety Requirements for Battery Energy Storage Systems,' which will supplement existing safety regulations under the Central Electricity Authority rules. This chapter outlines detailed safety protocols and technical criteria for the design, installation, monitoring, and operation of BESS across India.

The draft mandates that batteries must be equipped with two-fault tolerance design, ensuring safe operation even in the event of dual, independent faults. It also requires battery management systems to monitor parameters such as temperature, voltage, and current at both cell and module levels, with automatic shutdown protocols triggered if limits are breached. The power conversion systems within BESS installations are expected to be fully automated and capable of syncing with the grid seamlessly, while also featuring in-built diagnostic and self-protection features.

Among the structural safety measures proposed, battery containers must be explosion-proof and equipped with ventilation systems capable of releasing flammable gases in a controlled manner. Specific provisions have been made for maintaining minimum distances between battery units and surrounding structures, although exceptions may be allowed if installations pass large-scale fire testing. Noise-reduction measures will be necessary for urban installations.

The regulations further prescribe standards for fire detection, emergency lighting, CCTV surveillance, electrolyte spill containment, and signage, with a strong emphasis on operational safety in the event of component failures or thermal runaway. Fire suppression systems are mandated for all battery containers rated at 200 kWh or above. BESS installations must also feature fencing and intrusion detection systems to prevent unauthorised access.

Significantly, all BESS operators will be required to undergo a third-party fire safety audit in accordance with a Standard Operating Procedure that the Authority will issue within three months of the regulation’s final notification. Fire safety officials will also be trained specifically to address risks unique to battery storage systems. The Directorate General of Fire Safety has been tasked with releasing training guidelines within the same three-month period.

To support the rollout of these norms, a new regulation namely Regulation 137, will also be added to the existing safety code. It empowers the CEA to publish, through a separate order, a list of relevant technical standards applicable under the amended framework.

With India scaling up its renewable energy ambitions, energy storage systems are expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring grid stability and round-the-clock clean power. The draft regulations come at a critical time as utility-scale battery projects are being planned across the country, and the government is pushing for higher safety compliance in energy infrastructure.