Better Energy Storage and Safety Act

Summary#

This bill changes parts of the Energy Act of 2020 to add new safety, testing, and demonstration work for energy storage systems (including components and modules). It clarifies that a storage system includes its components and modules. The bill directs federal programs to develop models, tools, and data sets to find and reduce failure modes (for example component or system failure and thermal runaway), and to develop early detection and preventative maintenance methods.

The bill requires coordinated testing and validation with National Laboratories, the Director of NIST, and the U.S. Fire Administration. It lists specific testing tasks, including tests under normal and failure conditions, grid performance tests at different development stages, durability and degradation testing, stress testing components, accelerated life testing, and evaluation of mitigation equipment such as automated fire suppression systems. The testing applies to operational, grid-connected systems that were installed before the most recent codes and standards and that represent a variety of chemistries and installation methods.

It increases the number of required energy storage demonstration projects from 3 to 5 and moves the deadline for those projects to September 30, 2030. At least two new demonstration projects must focus specifically on safety and include stress testing to failure. The bill expands pilot grant selection criteria and program objectives to include safety testing, data collection, diagnostic tools, AI and digital twin capabilities, and testing of innovative, potentially safer chemistries. It also adds the U.S. Fire Administration and NIST as formal partners for leveraging resources and asks that strategic plans include summaries of emerging technologies and commercial barriers.

The bill adds a funding authorization of $30,000,000 per year for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to carry out programs and activities related to energy storage safety, with those funds to remain available until expended.

What it means for you#

  • If you work with or install batteries and other storage systems: federal programs would develop improved testing, diagnostics, and safety guidance that could affect future standards and best practices.
  • If you operate grid-connected storage: the bill supports more field testing and demonstration projects that study real systems, including older systems installed before newer codes.
  • If you are in research, testing, or manufacturing: the bill funds work on testing methods, stress testing, safer chemistries, and digital tools (like diagnostics and digital twins).
  • If you are an emergency responder or code developer: the bill brings the U.S. Fire Administration and NIST into testing and standard-setting efforts.

Expenses#

  • The bill authorizes $30,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031, to carry out programs and activities related to the safety of energy storage systems; those funds remain available until expended.
  • No other specific cost estimates or budget effects are provided in the bill text.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.