As the global transition to renewable energy accelerates, lithium-ion battery energy storage systems (BESS) have become critical components in grid stabilization, renewable energy integration, and backup power applications. However, energy storage batteries come with inherent risks, including fire hazards, thermal runaway, and electrical malfunctions. To ensure safety, regulatory bodies worldwide have established strict certification requirements for energy storage batteries.
So, what certifications are necessary for energy storage batteries, and what do they mean? This article provides a clear and structured overview of key certifications, helping manufacturers and businesses navigate compliance requirements effectively.
1. Why Are Certifications Essential for Energy Storage Batteries?
Energy storage batteries operate in diverse and often demanding environments. Without proper safety standards, they may pose significant risks, such as:
- Thermal Runaway – A chain reaction that leads to rapid temperature increases, potentially resulting in fire or explosion.
- Electrical Hazards – High-voltage battery packs can cause short circuits, electric shocks, or system failures if not designed properly.
- Mechanical Damage – Vibrations, drops, or compressions during transportation and operation can compromise battery integrity.
- Environmental Exposure – Extreme temperatures, humidity, and corrosive environments can impact battery performance and longevity.
Global certifications ensure that energy storage batteries meet stringent safety, performance, and environmental standards, mitigating these risks while facilitating market access.
2. Key Energy Storage Battery Certifications Worldwide
International Certifications
UN38.3 (United Nations Transport Safety Standard)
- Purpose: Required for batteries in international shipping to ensure they can withstand transportation stress.
- Tests: Altitude simulation, thermal cycling, vibration, impact, short circuit, and crush tests.
- Applicability: All lithium batteries (mandatory for shipping).
IEC 62619 (Industrial Lithium Battery Safety Standard)
- Purpose: Ensures safety for energy storage and industrial lithium batteries.
- Tests: Overcharge, short circuit, high-temperature stability, electrolyte leakage, and mechanical abuse.
- Applicability: Energy storage systems, UPS, industrial applications.
- Market Impact: A must-have for companies exporting industrial batteries.
UL 1973 (North American Energy Storage Battery Standard)
- Purpose: Verifies the safety of stationary battery systems used in energy storage, UPS, and backup power.
- Tests: Electrical, mechanical, and environmental tests to ensure system reliability.
- Market Impact: Required for energy storage systems entering the U.S. and Canada.
UL 9540A (Energy Storage Fire Propagation Test)
- Purpose: Evaluates thermal runaway risks and fire propagation behavior in large-scale energy storage systems.
- Market Impact: Essential for grid-scale and commercial energy storage projects in North America.
U.S. Certifications
UL 1642 (Lithium Cell Safety Standard)
- Purpose: Ensures the safety of individual lithium cells by testing for overcharge, short circuits, and thermal stability.
- Applicability: All lithium cells used in energy storage applications.
UL 2580 (Electric Vehicle Battery Standard)
- Purpose: Primarily for EV batteries but also referenced for high-power storage applications.
- Tests: Fire resistance, impact resistance, and short-circuit protection.
- Applicability: EV and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) energy storage solutions.
European Certifications
CE (European Market Compliance Certification)
- Purpose: Confirms compliance with EU safety, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), and environmental standards.
- Applicability: All batteries entering the EU market.
EN 62619 (European Industrial Battery Safety Standard)
- Purpose: Equivalent to IEC 62619 but tailored for European regulations.
- Applicability: Industrial and energy storage lithium batteries.
China Certifications
GB/T 36276 (Chinese National Standard for Energy Storage Batteries)
- Purpose: Defines safety and performance standards for energy storage systems in China.
- Applicability: Grid-connected and distributed energy storage systems.
CQC Certification (China Quality Certification Center)
- Purpose: Ensures compliance with Chinese safety and quality standards, similar to the CE mark in Europe.
- Applicability: Energy storage, power, and consumer batteries.
3. How to Choose the Right Certification for Your Energy Storage Battery?
Step 1: Identify Your Target Market
- Exporting to the U.S.? UL 1973, UL 9540A, and UN38.3 are crucial.
- Entering the EU? IEC 62619, EN 62619, and CE certification are required.
- Expanding in China? GB/T 36276 and CQC certification are necessary.
Step 2: Select the Right Certification Based on Application
| Application | Recommended Certifications |
|---|---|
| Residential Energy Storage | UN38.3 + CE + IEC 62619 |
| Commercial & Industrial Storage | UL 1973 + IEC 62619 + UL 9540A |
| Utility-Scale Grid Storage | UL 9540A + GB/T 36276 |
| UPS and Backup Power | IEC 62619 + UL 1973 |
| EV and V2G Applications | UL 2580 + IEC 62619 |
Step 3: Stay Updated with Certification Changes
Regulations and safety standards evolve to address emerging risks:
- UL 9540A has tightened fire safety requirements, making it essential for large-scale storage projects.
- EU CE regulations are focusing more on battery recycling and sustainability, impacting future compliance strategies.
4. Conclusion: Certification as a Competitive Advantage
For the energy storage industry, safety is non-negotiable. Obtaining the right certifications is not only a regulatory necessity but also a competitive advantage. Companies that prioritize certification compliance gain:
- Market access – Meeting global standards enables seamless entry into key markets.
- Brand credibility – Certifications signal reliability, boosting customer and investor confidence.
- Long-term sustainability – Adhering to evolving safety and environmental regulations ensures business longevity.
As the energy storage market expands, forward-thinking manufacturers should integrate certification planning into their product development strategy. Ensuring compliance today lays the foundation for a safer, more sustainable energy future. Battlink meets international standards like CE, UL, and IEC 62619, ensuring its energy storage solutions adhere to the highest safety and performance requirements, making them reliable for global markets.
