Proposal: Standard for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) - by Richard Dunbar
July 2025
This newly published document outlines a proposed draft standard for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) currently in operation or under development across the United Kingdom. There is growing concern that existing UK regulations inadequately address the safety and environmental risks associated with BESS installations, especially in the context of government risk management policies. Numerous international incidents have demonstrated that BESS installations pose significant risks to human life, animal welfare, and the environment.
It is important to note that the enactment of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 resulted in the repeal of numerous fire safety provisions, including locally enacted legislation that previously mandated fire authority consultation during planning applications. This shift has contributed to a systemic erosion of fire safety standards, as evidenced by investigations into major incidents such as the Grenfell Tower fire. These regulatory changes were ostensibly designed to streamline development but have had the effect of weakening public protections and undermining emergency service preparedness.
Richard Dunbar is the Managing Director of Park Lodge International Ltd, known for its expertise in fire investigation and emergency response training.
He previously served as Chief Fire Officer in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Nairobi, Kenya, where he established comprehensive fire, rescue, and ambulance services based on UK standards.
He founded the International Vehicle Fire Investigation course, which has been running for over 25 years and is now delivered globally.
He co-authored the Energy Institute’s code of practice for recovering low flash products from road tankers and wrote several key texts, including the Police Blue Book on HAZMAT incidents and fire investigation handbooks.
His work spans Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, and he’s been involved in counter-terrorism exercises for the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
In recent years, he’s focused on fire risks associated with alternative fuel vehicles, including electric vehicle fire investigation and safety protocols.
Download the full report here
