Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent updates to the UL 9540A standard for battery energy storage systems (BESS), emphasizing the importance of large-scale fire testing and system-level safety in the energy storage industry [3][4][6]. Summary by Sections Event Announcement - The 9th Frontier Technology Conference on Energy Storage will be held on April 1-2, 2026, during the 14th International Energy Storage Summit and Exhibition (ESIE 2026), featuring international experts discussing fire safety and regulatory frameworks in energy storage [3][19]. Standard Update - The sixth edition of the UL 9540A standard, titled "Test Methods for Evaluating Fire Propagation in Battery Energy Storage Systems," was officially released on March 13, 2026. This version sets a new precedent in testing and certification for energy storage systems, focusing on thermal runaway and fire propagation risks [3][4]. Testing Enhancements - The new version of UL 9540A expands the testing scope by including large-scale fire testing (LSFT), which evaluates system-level safety by igniting a storage unit and observing fire spread without fire suppression systems. This change addresses limitations of previous versions and emphasizes the importance of system-level safety [4][6]. Industry Trends - There is a growing industry focus on large-scale fire testing, with five leading domestic energy storage companies conducting such tests in early 2026. These tests are centered on ultra-large capacity battery systems, with some cells reaching capacities of 1,175Ah [4][5]. Performance Data - Key performance data from large-scale fire tests conducted by various companies in early 2026 show promising results, such as maintaining structural integrity and low temperatures in adjacent cells during fire events. For instance, Haibo's test showed a maximum temperature of only 56°C in neighboring cells [5]. Regulatory Compliance - The updated UL 9540A meets the safety testing requirements of the NFPA 855 standard, but regulatory bodies may still require additional performance data for site assessments. The new version incorporates spacing and propagation considerations into the certification framework, which were not included in previous versions [6][7]. Complementary Standards - The CSA/ANSI C800:25 standard, which assesses the reliability of energy storage systems, complements UL 9540A by providing additional performance metrics such as heat release rates and gas composition, aiding in site evaluations and regulatory reviews [6][7].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing importance of safety in large-scale energy storage systems, emphasizing the need for thorough testing under real conditions to understand potential risks and responses in worst-case scenarios [2][15]. Group 1: Testing and Safety Standards - The SolaX Power ORI 5MWh large energy storage system underwent a real cell explosion test under the UL 9540A:2025 standard proposal framework, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive safety evaluations [2][4]. - Appendix C of the standard requires testing under real conditions to observe the overall behavior post-explosion, including structural stability and the effectiveness of venting systems [4]. - The test was designed to replicate the most extreme conditions, with the ignition point strategically placed to challenge the system's structural integrity and pressure relief pathways [8]. Group 2: Test Results and System Performance - During the explosion, the ORI large energy storage system performed as expected, providing critical empirical evidence for system-level safety design [9]. - The explosion venting structure functioned as designed, with the container doors remaining closed and showing no significant deformation, while the overall structure did not rupture [10]. - No debris or fragments were observed to be ejected during the test, indicating no additional risk to surrounding personnel or the environment [10]. Group 3: Commitment to Safety - The engineering team from UL Solutions noted that the test aimed to optimize the severity and realism of the explosion, while also addressing inherent uncertainties associated with real lithium-ion battery cells [12]. - The R&D team at SolaX Power emphasized that product safety is a fundamental aspect of their development process, not merely a compliance checkpoint, and they are committed to rigorous testing to mitigate risks before system deployment [14][15]. - SolaX Power plans to continue collaborating with international authorities like UL Solutions to enhance the safety levels of energy storage systems, thereby establishing a more robust safety foundation for long-term applications in the global energy system [15].

Core Insights - The storage industry in China is experiencing high growth due to a combination of policy support, market demand, and technological advancements [1] Group 1: Company Performance - Kelu Electronics (科陆电子) reported a significant increase in revenue and net profit for the first three quarters of 2025, with net profit rising by 251.1% to approximately 232 million yuan [2] - Keda's growth is attributed to the rising penetration of renewable energy, decreasing storage costs, and surging demand for grid auxiliary services [2] - Keda's storage base in Yichun has an annual production capacity of about 10 GWh, and the company is establishing a storage production base in Indonesia with an initial planned capacity of 3 GWh [4] - Keda's revenue for the third quarter grew by 41.71%, and net profit increased by 38.36% [3] Group 2: Market Trends - The global storage market is expected to maintain high growth, with China leading in new storage installations, followed by the US and Europe [2] - The demand for storage systems in data centers is anticipated to grow significantly due to the increasing power needs driven by the expansion of AI data centers [3] - The global storage battery shipment rankings for 2024 will see Chinese companies dominating the top ten, with CATL (宁德时代) leading the market share [3] Group 3: Expansion and Globalization - Companies are accelerating production expansion and global business development, with CATL ramping up production capacity to meet market demand [4] - Keda Electronics is focusing on differentiated overseas market strategies, particularly in the Americas and Europe, to build localized teams and enhance customer engagement [5] - The industry is pushing for technological innovation and system advancements, including large-capacity cells and solid-state batteries, to meet diverse market needs [6] Group 4: Opportunities and Challenges - By 2027, China's new storage installation capacity is projected to exceed 180 million kilowatts, driving direct investment of approximately 250 billion yuan [7] - The industry is witnessing a significant economic turning point, with a projected increase in domestic new installations to 300 GWh next year [7] - Geopolitical risks and market rule differences pose challenges for storage companies expanding internationally, necessitating a focus on local production and compliance [8]

Group 1 - The 13th International Energy Storage Industry Summit and Exhibition (ESIE 2025) was held in Beijing, showcasing SGS's one-stop market access solutions for energy storage products, including a "dual energy replenishment station" that integrates energy storage applications with camping scenarios [1] - SGS awarded two international certifications to CRRC Zhuzhou Institute, indicating that its 5.X energy storage system has achieved global excellence in key technology areas such as battery management and thermal runaway protection [2] - SGS and Xinyuan Zhichu Energy Development successfully held a certification ceremony for the world's first CB certification for a fully immersed energy storage integrated machine, demonstrating compliance with international safety standards [4] Group 2 - During the exhibition, SGS's Chief Expert Dr. Wang Riming presented a solution for large-scale fire testing of energy storage systems, addressing safety concerns and providing new insights for product development and market access requirements [6] - SGS operates a global service network with 99,500 professionals across 2,500 branches and laboratories, offering efficient testing and certification services to help manufacturers enter overseas markets [8]