As the demand for energy storage systems (ESS) continues to grow across Europe, ensuring compliance with regional standards and certifications is critical for market entry. For commercial and industrial energy storage providers, meeting these certification requirements not only enhances product credibility but also guarantees safety, performance, and regulatory adherence. This article outlines the essential certifications required to enter the European energy storage market, focusing on CE marking, UL standards, and IEC regulations.
Core Certification Categories for Energy Storage Systems
Energy storage systems require comprehensive certification across multiple dimensions to ensure safety, performance, environmental compliance, and effective battery management.
1.1 Safety Certification
Safety is the foremost consideration for energy storage systems, as they involve high-voltage components and energy-dense batteries. Proper safety certification reduces the risk of fire, explosion, and electrical hazards.
Key safety standards for Europe include:
- IEC/EN 62619: Safety requirements for secondary lithium batteries for industrial applications.
- IEC/EN 62040-1: Safety for uninterruptible power systems (UPS) and energy storage systems.
- UL 9540: Safety requirements for energy storage systems and equipment (widely accepted globally but not mandatory for European market access).
Additionally, region-specific requirements such as Germany’s VDE 2510-50 ensure advanced safety compliance for residential energy storage systems.
1.2 Performance Certification
Performance certification ensures that energy storage systems meet technical benchmarks for efficiency, longevity, and environmental adaptability.
Relevant performance standards include:
- IEC/EN 62620: Performance criteria for lithium-ion batteries.
- IEC/EN 61427-1/-2: Requirements for secondary cells and batteries for renewable energy storage.
- IEC/EN 61683: Efficiency measurement of power converters used in photovoltaic systems.
- IEC/EN 50530: Performance testing of inverters.
- IEC 62933-5-2: Performance testing for grid-connected energy storage systems.
1.3 Environmental Certification
Modern regulations emphasize the environmental impact of products throughout their lifecycle. Compliance with environmental standards is vital for both legal conformity and corporate sustainability goals.
Key environmental standards include:
- RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU: Restriction of hazardous substances in electrical equipment.
- REACH Regulation: Ensuring the safe use of chemicals throughout the product lifecycle.
1.4 Battery Management System (BMS) Certification
The battery management system (BMS) is critical to the safe and efficient operation of energy storage systems. Certification ensures the BMS meets functional safety and performance standards.
Key standards include:
- IEC 60730-1: Automatic electrical controls for household and similar applications (relevant for BMS in energy storage systems).
- IEC 62477-1: Safety requirements for power electronic converter systems and equipment.
CE Marking: The Gateway to the European Market
CE marking is a mandatory certification for products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA). It indicates that a product meets EU safety, health, and environmental protection requirements. For energy storage systems, CE compliance is essential to ensure lawful market access.
Key Directives and Standards for Energy Storage Systems under CE:
- Low Voltage Directive (LVD) 2014/35/EU: Ensures the electrical safety of equipment operating between 50-1000V AC and 75-1500V DC.
- Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive 2014/30/EU: Requires products to function correctly without causing or being affected by electromagnetic interference.
- Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU: Applies to energy storage systems with wireless communication functions.
- Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive 2011/65/EU: Limits the use of specific hazardous materials in electrical and electronic equipment.
- Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC: Applies if the energy storage system includes moving parts like cooling fans or mechanical components.
CE Certification Process:
- Product Testing: Conduct testing to verify compliance with applicable EU directives.
- Technical Documentation: Prepare a technical file with design details, risk assessments, and test reports.
- Declaration of Conformity: Issue a formal statement confirming compliance with EU requirements.
- CE Marking: Affix the CE logo on the product and packaging.
UL Standards: Enhancing Global Safety and Market Expansion
Although UL certification is primarily recognized in North America, it is increasingly valued globally for ensuring product safety and reliability. For energy storage systems, UL standards provide comprehensive testing protocols for electrical safety, thermal performance, and hazard prevention. However, UL certification is not mandatory for European market entry.
Relevant UL Standards for Energy Storage Systems:
- UL 9540: Standard for Energy Storage Systems and Equipment, covering safety requirements for stationary and mobile applications.
- UL 1973: Applies to batteries used in stationary applications such as energy storage systems, including performance and durability tests.
- UL 1741: Governs inverters, converters, and controllers integrated into ESS, ensuring grid interconnection safety.
- UL 9540A: Thermal runaway propagation test, critical for battery safety assessment.
UL Certification Benefits:
- Enhanced market credibility and consumer confidence.
- Alignment with global safety standards.
- Facilitates export to regions recognizing UL compliance.
IEC Standards: International Benchmark for Energy Storage Safety and Performance
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) establishes global safety and performance standards for electrical products, including energy storage systems. Compliance with IEC standards is crucial for accessing the European market and ensuring interoperability and reliability.
Key IEC Standards for Energy Storage Systems:
- IEC 62619: Safety requirements for secondary lithium cells and batteries used in industrial applications.
- IEC 62933 Series: Comprehensive standards covering various aspects of energy storage system performance and safety.
- IEC 61000-6-2/6-4: Addresses electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) immunity and emissions.
- IEC 62109-1/2: Safety standards for inverters and other power conversion equipment used in photovoltaic and storage applications.
IEC Certification Process:
- Type Testing: Independent laboratory testing for safety, performance, and environmental resilience.
- Factory Inspection: Evaluation of manufacturing processes to ensure consistent compliance.
- Certification Issuance: Receive the IEC Certificate of Conformity upon successful assessment.
National Grid Connection Standards in Europe
Different European countries have specific grid connection regulations for energy storage systems:
- Germany: VDE-AR-N 4105, VDE-AR-N 4110
- Italy: CEI 0-21, CEI 0-16 (aligned with EN 50549-1/-2)
- UK: G98 (<=16A), G99 (>16A) (Great Britain) / ENA ER G59, G83 (Northern Ireland)
- France: UTE C15-712-1
- Spain: UNE 206007-1:2013 IN, UNE 206007-2:2014 IN
- Other EU Countries: EN 50549-1, EN 50549-2 (common framework for EU grid compliance)
Conclusion
Navigating the complex certification landscape is vital for successfully entering the European energy storage market. CE marking is mandatory for legal access, while UL and IEC standards provide additional layers of safety assurance and global competitiveness. By understanding and adhering to these key certifications, energy storage providers can unlock new market opportunities, ensure product safety, and foster consumer trust.
